HC Deb 17 April 1956 vol 551 cc833-4
24. Mrs. Jeger

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will refer gramophone records to the Monopolies Commission.

Mr. Walker-Smith

My right hon. Friend is considering further references to the Commission, but he is not in a position to make any further statement at the present time.

Mrs. Jeger

Is the Minister aware that there is a widespread feeling among the public that they are not sharing in all the benefits that have accrued from recent technical developments in recording? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider including gramophone recordings in his references to the Monopolies Commission?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I do not think I can usefully add to the answer that gave. In so far as the hon. Lady refers to the restrictions on the public use of gramophone records

Mrs. Jeger

I had in mind the cost.

Mr. Walker-Smith

If the hon. Lady is concerned with the cost, I cannot usefully add to my previous answer. In so far as the costs stem from agreements between two or more manufacturers, that is, of course, a matter dealt with under the present Restrictive Trade Practices Bill.