§ 26. Mr. D. Jonesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is a price ring in regard to the retailing of cricket balls; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. Chetwynd) on 19th July.
§ Mr. JonesIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League, which claims to know something about this game, alleges that when it sought quotations recently, every one of the firms asked to quote quoted 50s. 6d. for a grade A cricket ball, and that quite a number of quotations were received from 195 a number of firms? If this is evidence that there is a ring, and I think it is, will the hon. and learned Gentleman do something about it?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithIf there is such a ring it would be registrable under the Restrictive Trade Practices Bill, and would in due course be a matter for the consideration of the Restrictive Practices Court.