HC Deb 21 December 1961 vol 651 cc1541-3
11. Mr. Lipton

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to implement the recommendations of the Monopolies Commission that the Imperial Tobacco Company should dispose of its shares in Gallaher.

Mr. Erroll

I regret that I cannot yet add anything to the reply given to the hon. Member for Swindon (Mr. F. Noel-Baker) on 28th November.

Mr. Lipton

Is not this quite a disgusting state of affairs? Why is the President of the Board of Trade so weak-kneed and lily-livered in his approach to the tobacco barons who are continuing to flout with impunity the very carefully-considered recommendations of the Monopolies Commission which it took five years to reach? When does the Minister intend to put his foot down, and not allow himself to be treated like a doormat by these tobacco magnates?

Mr. Erroll

I do not propose to reply to the hon. Gentleman's more offensive allegations, but I would inform him that it is far more important to reach the right decision than it is to reach a decision quickly. Nevertheless, I hope that it will be possible to make an announcement shortly.

Mr. F. M. Bennett

While not adopting the line taken by the hon. Member for Brixton (Mr. Lipton)—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"]—because I do not happen to agree with it—may I ask whether my right hon. Friend is aware that earlier this month I had an intimation from his Department that an answer, one way or the other, would soon be coming? While I have no particularly strong feelings on what that answer should be, I think that it really is time that the Government made up their mind one way or the other.

Mr. Erroll

I have said in a previous supplementary answer that I hope to make an announcement shortly. I am sorry that I cannot do so before the House rises for the Christmas Recess.

Mr. Jay

Why is the President of the Board of Trade so terrified of the Imperial Tobacco Company? Surely it should be possible, even for this Government, to make up their mind in six months on a simple proposal like this?

Mr. Erroll

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that I am not afraid of the Imperial Tobacco Company, or of the insinuations in his supplementary question.

Mr. Lipton

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest possible opportunity on the Adjournment.