HC Deb 01 February 1967 vol 740 cc490-1
23. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that landlords of shop premises are making minimum prices of goods sold a condition before granting a lease to shopkeepers, whether he will introduce legislation to bring this practice within the provisions of the Resale Prices Act.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. George Darling)

No, Sir.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Will the right hon. Gentleman take note of the fact that the landlord to whom I am directing my attention is the Airports Authority which, by contract conditions, requires British goods to be sold at 43 per cent. over the price at which they can be obtained at any other airport in Europe, and as this appears, at any rate, to be against the spirit, if not the letter, of the Resale Prices Act, will he look at this question again?

Mr. Darling

Yes, Sir. We are prepared to look at the question again. I understand that there is a case on the restraint of trade which may have a bearing on this question which was heard in the House of Lords just before Christmas. Judgment was reserved, and is expected some time in the near future. Perhaps we can look at this matter again when we get that judgment.