HC Deb 17 June 1954 vol 528 cc2248-9
3. Mr. Holt

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he intends to take action with regard to the recommendations of the Report of the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices Commission on the Calico Printers Federation.

Mr. H. Strauss

My right hon. Friend will make a statement on this matter when he has completed his discussions with the industry.

Mr. Holt

While it is proper for the Minister to discuss this matter with such bodies as he thinks may help him, will he give an assurance that the Government have no intention of thereby shuffling out of their responsibilities to face the issues involved merely because they may have had some recommendatons which do not fit the Commission's recommendations? Furthermore, in view of the gathering of forces understandably but short-sightedly opposed to these recommendations, does the Minister not think it is time that the Government gave a lead as to exactly how sympathetic they are to the recommendations of this Commission?

Mr. Strauss

It would be wrong for me to attempt to add to the previous answer given by my right hon. Friend on 4th May on this important and complicated Report until we have had time to consider the opinions expressed by such bodies as the Cotton Board.