HC Deb 20 March 1952 vol 497 c2522
2. Mr. Leslie Hale

asked the President of the Board of Trade what matters are still under consideration by the Monopolies Commission; and by what date it is expected that reports will be received on each of these matters.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I hope to receive the Commission's report on electric cables during April. The report on matches and match-making machinery and the report on insulin are expected to follow during the course of this year. The other subjects before the Commission are nonferrous metals, the printing of fabrics, and imported timber: I cannot at present say when reports of these matters may be expected.

Mr. Hale

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this does seem a very long period for these considerations to go on, particularly when dealing with matters of great urgency, and will he tell House what action he has now decided to take upon the reports already submitted to him?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The question of action on the reports should, of course, be addressed to the production Departments concerned. I am as concerned as the hon. Member about the number of reports that can be got through the Commission in its present form, and it is because of this that some amending legislation has been considered.

Major Guy Lloyd

Will my right hon. Friend consider referring to the Monopolies Commission the worst monopolies of all—some of the great nationalised industries?