HC Deb 21 June 1955 vol 542 cc1115-6
4. Mr. McInnes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take regarding complaints sent to him from local authorities, hospital boards and other bodies relating to the operation of price rings in the submission of tenders.

Mr. J. N. Browne

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made on 16th June by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. McInnes

Will the Minister indicate precisely what action he proposes to take in these cases? We already have a list of five different items, involving regional boards, local authorities and even private firms. What action does he propose to take?

Mr. Browne

The correct action, as I understand it, is to report the matter direct to the Board of Trade. To be frank, I do not like this any more than the hon. Gentleman does, but I am sure he would not ask me to prejudge these matters. My right hon. Friend has received no specific complaints from local authorities. I hope that the authorities concerned will bring to his notice any such cases.

Mr. McInnes

Am Ito understand from that reply that the reason for submitting these matters to the Board of Trade is so that the President of the Board of Trade may submit them to the Monopolies Commission? If that is so, it will be 1984 before we reach that stage.

Mr. Browne

That is a different question altogether.