§ 1. Mr. du Cannasked the Attorney-General if he will make a further statement on the progress made towards the establishment of the Restrictive Practices Court.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Reginald Manningham-Buller)Proceedings have been started in twenty cases. The work involved in preparing them for trial is very considerable, and it is most unlikely that any of them will be ready for final hearing before the early part of next year.
§ Mr. du CannWould not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the good intentions of the Government will be judged, in part at any rate, by the determination and vigour with which the Restrictive Trade Practices Act is applied? In view of the fact that the Act received the Royal Assent over twelve months ago, will not my right hon. and learned Friend see whether the proceedings cannot be expedited somewhat?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am quite certain that the proceedings cannot be expedited in view of the close consideration that has to be given to a vast amount of documents. I am sure that my hon. Friend would wish that proper investigation should be made before the cases are presented so that justice and the requirements of the Act are complied with.
§ Mr. E. FletcherWhile everybody would agree that it is desirable that proper investigation should take place, surely, in view of the great public interest in the matter, it is very regrettable that no decision is anticipated before the beginning of next year? Would not the 192 right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that it is most desirable that these proceedings should be expedited as much as possible?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe answer to that is that they are being expedited as much as possible.