§ 17. Mr. Ginsburgasked the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has for the further registration of restrictive trading agreements under Section 9 of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1956.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonAs a result of two Orders made, respectively, in August, 1956, and October, 1957, all agreements to which Part I of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1956, applies became subject to registration. These Orders cover not only such agreements as already exist but any new registrable agreements that may come into existence. There are no further agreements in respect of which an order can be made under the Act.
§ Mr. GinsburgIs the Minister aware that there is doubt whether this registration procedure is complete and that Members are in difficulty in questioning the President of the Board of Trade on this subject concerning the activities of the registrar? Is the hon. Gentleman aware, in particular, that there is a common price agreement governing the increase in prices of London evening newspapers which, apparently, has not yet been registered? Will he give directions to the Registrar to hold a hearing as to whether that increase is in the public interest?
§ Mr. MacphersonNo, Sir. It is not for my right hon. Friend to give a direction to the Registrar on that matter. It is for the Registrar, if he thinks that he has reasonable cause to believe that such an agreement exists, to call upon the parties by written notice to furnish such particulars.