HC Deb 26 June 1962 vol 661 cc941-2
28. Mr. Darling

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now make a statement on resale price maintenance.

Mr. N. Macpherson

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend is still studying the subject.

Mr. Darling

Can the Minister at least tell us when the Government intend to say something about their views on Section 25 of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act? Are we to take it, from the lengthy examination which is going on and from the Prime Minister's statement on Saturday, that the Government are going to change their mind on that Section of the Act, passed only six years ago?

Mr. Macpherson

I am afraid that I cannot anticipate the statement that my right hon. Friend may make.

Dr. King

Is the Minister aware that British pharmacists are gravely concerned about this question of interfering with their present price system? Will he give serious consideration to their representations?

Mr. Macpherson

Yes, Sir. Many interests are involved in this question—manufacturers, retailers and consumers. We are giving careful consideration to them, among other factors.