HC Deb 06 July 1954 vol 529 c1957
28. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, through the Monopolies Commission or otherwise, he will inquire into the costs and methods of motor car distribution.

Mr. H. Strauss

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend prefers to await the outcome of the general inquiry under Section 15 of the Monopolies Act, on which the Commission is now engaged.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is not the public being fleeced by the exorbitant distribution margin of 20 per cent. on the price of cars? Is it not time that the Minister did something about distributors' and dealers' profits and inquired what is being done to earn them?

Mr. Strauss

Since many of the matters connected with the industry are covered by the inquiry which is now taking place, it would be desirable to await the result of that inquiry before making another into this trade.