HC Deb 17 February 1966 vol 724 cc1515-6
15. Mr. Shepherd

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is satisfied that the monopoly position at present obtaining in the British shoe distribution industry is consistent with the public interest; and whether he will refer this industry to the Monopolies Commission.

Mr. Darling

Although one firm has a large share in the retail distribution of footwear, it is not so large as to satisfy the conditions for reference to the Monopolies Commission.

Mr. Shepherd

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that this monopoly buying position works very hardly against the manufacturing end of the industry and that this organisation indulges in very heavy mark up and, on the whole, is deteriorating standards in the trade? Should not something be done about this?

Mr. Darling

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that something should be investigated, and I think that an investigation on the lines he has suggested could take place, but not by the Monopolies Commission.

Mr. Ioan L. Evans

Is not this situation also working against the interests of the consumer, for the housewife gets the impression that a number of shops in the High Street are competing with each other when in fact they are owned and controlled by the same concern?

Mr. Darling

Yes, Sir.