HC Deb 29 March 1955 vol 539 c205
64. Mr. Jay

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take to restrain United Kingdom firms from agreeing on identical prices when tendering for contracts overseas.

Mr. H. Strauss

My right hon. Friend has no powers to intervene, except where the Monopolies Commission has reported that such an arrangement is against the public interest.

Mr. Jay

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the recent case of cable exports to New Zealand, where identical prices are reported to have been quoted? Does he not think that this may be damaging to the reputation of British exports?

Mr. Strauss

There is a later Question on that subject on the Order Paper.