§ 39. Mr. Hamlingasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will seek powers to suspend the management of private firms which are operating in a manner which conflicts with the national interest.
§ Mr. HamlingIs my right hon. Friend aware are that complaints have recently been sent to his Department by some of my constituents about various private firms which have not only defrauded these constituents but have also caused them extreme injury from the point of view of motor insurance and travel? Will he do something about this?
§ Mr. JayYes, Sir. I know that these things have happened, but I think that my hon. Friend's proposals are somewhat sweeping. I suggest that it is better to proceed through the companies legislation, the restrictive trade practices legislation and so on.
§ Sir H. HarrisonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Answer is completely contradictory to the remarks of the Prime Minister suggesting that he 502 Wants to cut out dead wood in the boars room, as that can be done only by cutting out 51 per cent of the equity holding?