HC Deb 29 May 1962 vol 660 cc1158-9
31. Mr. Leather

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects the report from the Monopolies Commission on their investigation into the motor industry electrical accessories trade.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Niall Macpherson)

I understand that the Commission hopes to be able to submit this report before the end of the year.

Mr. Leather

While thanking my hon. Friend for that bit of encouragement, may I ask whether he does not agree that it is most unsatisfactory that any position like this can be allowed to drag on for over five years? Does it not mean that if there is a monopoly position it has been allowed to go on with the Government's connivance unchecked all this time and that whatever evidence is collected now is likely to be completely in contradiction to that collected five years ago, because the situation has completely altered? Is not this a most unsatisfactory position?

Mr. Macpherson

I do not think that it could be denied that the situation may have altered since the inquiry started, but the inquiry has kept up with the changes as they have come along. My hon. Friend will know that the inquiry has extended into eight different classes of equipment and has been a very complex and technical one.

Mr. Leather

Does not this indicate that the Government have not the tools to do the kind of job which in the national interest we all want them to do? Could not my hon. Friend take powers to give himself the people, the bodies and the equipment to get on with the job quickly and efficiently?

Mr. Macpherson

We are investigating this matter at present, but we have to establish the truth. The truth in so complex a matter may take a long time to establish, no matter how large the organisation we may have to establish it.

Sir C. Osborne

Is my hon. Friend aware that the fact that these negotiations have taken five years supports the feeling that somehow the Government are not in real earnest to get to the bottom of all this? Although that feeling may not be justified by the facts, is my hon. Friend aware that the Government have accused themselves by being so dilatory in doing the work? Why cannot they get on with it?

Mr. Macpherson

That is certainly not justified by the facts. It is not the Government who are inquiring but the Monopolies Commission. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is not responsible for the conduct of the inquiry. Once a matter has been referred to the Commission, it is the Commission's responsibility to decide on its handling.