HC Deb 17 February 1966 vol 724 cc1516-7
16. Mr. Shepherd

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that solicitors, estate agents, building societies, and others, many of whom have no substantial interest to protect, place in leases, etc., clauses requiring insurances to be effected with companies from whom they draw commission, and that a departmental committee has already condemned this practice; and if he will take steps to end this restraint of trade.

Mr. Darling

I understand that this question will be examined by the Law Commission in the course of their deliberations on the reform of the law of landlord and tenant.

Mr. Shepherd

This, too, is putting off action. When are we to get tough about monopolies and make their lives uncomfortable? Unless we do, there will be no real vitality and dynamism in British industry.

Mr. Darling

I must remind the hon. Gentleman that the Law Society and the Building Societies Association have already taken steps to discourage this insistance on clauses of this type, which are likely to lead to double insurance. If we can do the job by voluntary agreement, I do not see why we should bring into play a great sledge hammer to deal with it.