HC Deb 23 June 1955 vol 542 cc1469-70
5. Mr. R. Harris

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he takes to ensure that reports by the Monopolies Commission do not disclose facts which are of advantage to foregn competitors to the detriment of British exporting companies; and if he will bear these considerations in mind when he publishes the forthcoming report on the tyre industry.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

It is entirely within the Commission's discretion what information to include in its reports. Before laying any report before Parliament, however, I consider whether there are grounds for omitting any information in accordance with the provisions of Section 9 of the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices Act, 1948.

Mr. Harris

Does not the President think it desirable that there should be an amendment to the Act to enable him to deal in a better manner with matters which might appear in the reports of the Commission and be of assistance to our foreign competitors?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I regard it as very much in the public interest that the fullest factual information should be laid before the public on all these matters if they are referred to the Commission. However, I bear in mind my particular responsibilities under Section 9 of the Act.