§ 28. Mr. J. Hyndasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will recommend, in the course of the discussions on the European common market, the introduction of measures to control 1036 monopoly and cartel developments similar to the measures now operating within the Coal and Steel Community.
§ Mr. LowI would refer the hon. Member to what my right hon. Friend said in the course of the debate on 26th November.
§ Mr. HyndWhat the Minister's right hon. Friend said in the course of that debate was far from precise. There were merely hopes that something would be done to check these developments. The Question is in precise terms, and asks whether similar steps will be taken to those
now operating within the Coal and Steel Community".Can the right hon. Gentleman answer that Question?
§ Mr. LowI very much doubt whether exactly similar steps to those operating in the Coal and Steel Community would be the appropriate ones. My right hon. Friend stated to the House his general view about cartels—the hon. Member and the House will remember his words—and I think it is much better that we should keep our hands free to try to get the effect which my right hon. Friend mentioned at that time.