§ 35. Dr. Strossasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that tenders received by the council of Stoke-on-Trent for cement, macadam and electric lamps are often identical in price; and whether, in view of this further evidence of monopoly practice, he will refer these matters to the Monopolies Commission.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonThe information which the hon Member has sent to my right hon. Friend shows that tenders recently received by the council for these goods were identical in some cases, but not, in all. As regards the second part of the Question, agreements between manufacturers of cement and macadam which may result in identical tendering are matters for the Restrictive Practices Court, and the Court has recently found an agreement on cement to be consistent with the public interest. As regards electric lamps, my right hon. Friend does not consider that the information provided by the hon. Member shows that there is either an agreement or a monopoly.
§ Dr. StrossIt does not seem that we are to get any satisfaction out of the hon. Gentleman. In view of that, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter as soon as possible on the Adjournment.