HC Deb 23 June 1955 vol 542 cc1470-1
18. Mr. Wade

asked the President of the Board of Trade which of the items in the list of materials, fixtures and fittings required by the building industry, which has been sent to his Department by the hon. Member for Huddersfield, West, will be covered by his recent general reference to the Monopolies Commission.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The reference will in general cover common price arrangements and level tendering. It will be for the Commission to decide whether arrangements affecting the supply of any particular goods fall within their terms of reference.

Mr. Wade

Is the Minister aware that there is some urgency about this matter, for several reasons, including the effect on building costs and also the fact that a large number of local authorities may abandon the policy of asking for competitive tenders on the ground that it is a useless formality? Can the right hon. Gentleman give any approximate estimate as to the period of time that may elapse before we may expect a report on this latest reference on level tendering?

Mr. Thorneycroft

That is a separate question. The hon. Member asked which of these items would be comprised within the Report. In so far as any of them are the subject of common prices or level tendering, all of them would fall within the compass of the Report.

20. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to ensure that any case in which identical tenders are received by local authorities for the provision of goods or services shall be automatically referred to the Monopolies Commission for immediate investigation.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer which my hon. Friend gave on 21st June to similar Questions.

Sir F. Medlicott

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this practice is not only undesirable but rather stupid, and that it causes a great deal of unnecessary expense and trouble to local authorities? Will he use his considerable influence to encourage the small minority of firms involved to fall into line with the well-established practice of competitive tendering?

Mr. Thorneycroft

As the matter has been referred to the Monopolies Commission, I think that it would be right to let them inquire into it.