§ 2. Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet completed his inquiry into retail price maintenance; and what decision he has reached as a result of his consideration of the views of retailers and manufacturers on this matter.
§ Mr. MaudlingThough the inquiry into resale price maintenance is well advanced, it is not yet complete, and I cannot say when I shall be in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this is a matter of some urgency and that consumers and consumer organisations and many enlightened traders are getting very restive? Is he not aware that there are all kinds of ingenious and legitimate loopholes, one of which was publicised today, getting round this arrangement, and is not it very important that we should reach a decision quickly?
§ Mr. MaudlingYes, Sir, I agree. I think that we should reach a decision quickly, but I have been more and more impressed by the complexity of this argument, and I wish to get all possible information before reaching a decision.