HC Deb 24 November 1952 vol 508 cc24-5
40. Mr. M. MacPherson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what approach he has made, or intends to make, to the State Department of the United States of America in connection with the inquiry by the Department of Justice of the United States of America into alleged anti-trust activities involving British firms.

Mr. Nutting

The attention of the United States Administration has been drawn to the terms of the Minister of Fuel and Power's communication to the British companies concerned, mentioned in his reply of 17th November.

Mr. MacPherson

But would it not have been wiser for the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to have taken the initiative earlier? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this dispute has been on the carpet since August, that the letter of the Minister of Fuel and Power criticised the United States authorities, and that it was met, in turn, by criticism of the court from a United States official? Would it not have been better to have avoided that kind of thing by his right hon. Friend taking up the matter a good deal earlier?

Mr. Nutting

Again, this is a matter which is sub judice. So far as I am aware, the letter of the Minister of Fuel and Power did not criticise the United States authorities but merely stated that in the view of Her Majesty's Government certain documents should not be made public which might jeopardise the security of this country.

Mr. MacPherson

But is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Fuel and Power, in his letter, criticised the actions of the United States Department of Justice as being not in consonance with the comity of nations and also criticised the terms of the subpoena which was issued?