HC Deb 12 April 1954 vol 526 cc789-91
35. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Supply if he is now in a position to state the date on which he will declare Her Majesty's Government's policy on the

Major Lloyd George

I have not with me the list for 1945–51. The food index rose by about 95 per cent. in the last two years and by about 25 per cent. in the previous two years.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Did the Minister circulate a list of these prices in East Edinburgh?

Following is the information:

recommendations of the Monopolies Commission about the supply of electric wires and cables.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. A. R. W. Low)

My right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position to make a statement shortly after the Easter Recess.

Mr. Swingler

Is the hon. Member aware that he said that before the Christmas Recess and that the Minister also said it last November? May we have an assurance that this statement carries greater weight than the previous six statements in the last six months and that the statement to which he refers will be made shortly?

Mr. Low

I can assure the hon. Member that neither my right hon. Friend nor I have ever said exactly this before. A few weeks ago my right hon. Friend explained to the hon. Member what are the difficulties about this matter. I am sure it is wise to spend the extra time so as to reach a really sensible conclusion.

Mr. Wyatt

Can the Minister say whether the Government have ever implemented any recommendations of the Monopolies Commission?

Mr. Low

Yes, they have.

Mr. Wyatt

Which?

Mr. Speaker

That is not in the Question.