HC Deb 21 January 1958 vol 580 cc882-3
35. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to receive the Report of the Monopolies Commission on fertilisers.

Mr. Erroll

My right hon. Friend does not expect to receive it before next year.

Mr. Willey

Cannot the Minister do something about this? Surely he is aware that a recent authoritative report upon this industry showed that the reduction in production costs has had no reflection at all in prices? This means that there must of necessity be a very high level of Government subsidy.

Mr. Erroll

I do not think that it would be right to interfere with the work of the Commission.

Mr. Wade

Since the Monopolies Commission was reconstituted under the provisions of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act, has the President received any reports from the Commission? Is the Minister satisfied that its present reduced size is apt?

Mr. Erroll

I think that that is another question, which I will do my best to answer if it is put on the Order Paper.

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