§ 39. Mr. Doddsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet completed his consideration of the possibility of abolishing resale price maintenance in an effort to encourage lower prices and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudlingI am studying the working of Section 25 of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1956. But as the Parliamentary Secretary explained in reply to Questions on 26th January, it will be some time before I shall be able to make a statement on this complex subject.
§ Mr. DoddsWill the right hon. Gentleman explain why, when it comes to helping the general public, the consumer and the housewife, it takes such a long time? Is he aware that the Government have an obligation to the public? Why has it taken so long?
§ Mr. MaudlingThis is a complex subject. I should remind the hon. Member that it is less than four years since this House legislated on the subject.