HC Deb 17 May 1960 vol 623 c1081
22. Mr. Lipton

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has now decided about new references to the Monopolies Commission.

Mr. Maudling

I am not yet in a postion to make an announcement about new references to the Monopolies Commission.

Mr. Lipton

Will the President of the Board of Trade put the dangerous newsprint monopoly at the top of his list for investigation? Is it not against the public interest that this vital commodity should be in the iron grip of such a small number of people? Will the right hon. Gentleman get a move on?

Mr. Maudling

If there is a number of people involved, even though a small number, it would be less a matter for the Monopolies Commission than for the Restrictive Practices Court.

Mr. Jay

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's rather vague answers, can he assure us that he is not in practice winding up the work of the Monopolies Commission?

Mr. Maudling

Most certainly.