§ 20. Mr. Jayasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now completed the general review of policy on restrictive practices and monopolies announced early this year; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ErrollNo, Sir. The review covers a wide range of complex and difficult subjects and I shall need some time to examine the considerable body of evidence which has been submitted and to reach conclusions.
§ Mr. JayIs the President of the Board of Trade aware that in the debates in this House about the I.C.I.-Courtauld controversy—nearly a year ago—the one positive action which the President claimed to be taking was to institute this review into the whole matter? Is this another case of the Minister claiming that he is pressing on with all possible speed?
§ Mr. ErrollI do not terribly like the sarcastic tone of the right hon. Gentleman. It is quite unjustified on this occasion. The delay, if any there has been, has been caused mainly by the time taken for people to write in and give us the benefit of their views and the further time taken in waiting for their replies to questions which arise from their original submissions. The important thing is to have a thorough inquiry. It is going very well indeed.
§ Mr. JayCan the President say how many years this review must take before a sarcastic tone is justified?
§ Mr. ErrollAbout fifty-three, I should think.