HC Deb 08 March 1954 vol 524 cc1734-5
38. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Supply when he expects to be in a position to state the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the recommendations of the Monopolies Commission with regard to the manufacture and supply of electric wires and cables.

The Minister of Supply (Mr. Duncan Sandys)

Very soon.

Mr. Swingler

Is the Minister not aware that this is a rather similar reply to those which he gave me in November and in January? Is he not aware that independent cable makers who are suffering under the monopolistic practices of the cable-making industry are getting worried about whether the Government will act upon the Report of the Monopolies Commission? Will he assure them that when he says "very soon" he means within the next two weeks?

Mr. Sandys

I do not know whether the House realises how much work is entailed in following up reports of the Monopolies Commission. Before deciding what action to take, the Government have to satisfy themselves that they are in agreement with the recommendations of the Commission, which are sometimes very far-reaching. This entails a separate study of the affairs of the industry by the Government. In this case the Commission took three years to examine the problems which were referred to it. This shows that some quite complex issues are involved.

Mr. Swingler

Will the Minister say whether Her Majesty's Government are in agreement with the most important recommendation of the Commission, that exclusive dealing with wholesalers in the cable-making industry should be stopped? That is one of the most important things with which the independent makers are concerned.

Mr. Sandys

It would be a most unsatisfactory procedure for me to announce piecemeal decisions on a whole series of recommendations.