HC Deb 02 December 1952 vol 508 cc1280-1
58. Mr. Beswick

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will refer the oil industry for investigation by the Monopolies Commission.

Mr. H. Strauss

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 25th November to the hon. Member for Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. Chetwynd). Without in any way accepting that there are matters connected with this industry which call for investigation, my right hon. Friend will bear this suggestion in mind in considering future matters for reference to the Commission.

Mr. Beswick

Would the Minister say exactly what he means, because the answer to the previous Question to which he referred said that no action was contemplated, as I recall? If he is now contemplating some inquiry, can he say when he will make up his mind about the matter?

Mr. Strauss

The hon. Member will see that the previous Question related to the companies' international arrangements. I pointed out that only certain topics could be covered, and those are the ones that I had in mind in the answer which I gave to the hon. Member this afternoon.

Mr. Beswick

Am I to take it that so far as the national activities of these companies are concerned, the President of the Board of Trade is considering referring their activities to the Monopolies Commission?

Mr. Strauss

My answer was quite clear, that while my right hon. Friend in no way accepts that they are matters that require investigation, he will certainly bear these in mind among the other suggestions when he next chooses subjects to refer to the Commission.

Sir H. Williams

Is it not the case that the largest company is semi-nationalised in that 51 per cent. of the shares belong to the State?

Mr. Strauss

That may well be, but I am not certain that it is relevant to the question.

Mr. Chetwynd

In view of the grave nature of the alleged oil monopoly, would the hon. and learned Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend to give prior consideration to this over some of the other smaller matters which he is considering in this regard?

Mr. Strauss

No, I do not think that such advice is required by my right hon. Friend. When he chooses subjects he will consider the relative importance of the various matters suggested.

Mr. Beswick

Will the Minister bear in mind that each year the tendency to monopoly in this industry, in production, refining, transport and now in retail distribution, is increasing and that an early decision is essential?