HC Deb 24 April 1968 vol 763 cc211-3
25. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the President of the Board of Trade, having regard to the links between Electrical and Musical Industries, the Grade Organisa- tion, Associated Television, the Associated British Picture Corporation, the London International Agency, London Artists, London Management, Elstree Distributors, Ivy Productions, Bernard Delfont Management and Enterprises, and other companies in the entertainment industry, whether he will refer this situation to the Monopolies Commission.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

We are always ready to consider evidence suggesting that it would be in the public interest for the Monopolies Commission to investigate any sector of this industry in which the statutory monopoly conditions exist.

Mr. Jenkins

Will my hon. Friend look at The Times of 6th March where, under the heading "Show Business is Big Business", the existence of statutory monopoly conditions is spelt out? Is she aware that even greater detail is easily obtainable?

Mrs. Dunwoody

We shall be interested to see any evidence that the conditions in this industry are working to the detriment of artists and employees who are part of it.

26. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the President of the Board of Trade having regard to his decision not to refer the merger between Electrical and Musical Industries and Associated British Picture Corporation to the Monopolies Commission, whether he will consider requesting the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation to acquire the cinema interests of the Associated British Picture Corporation

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

I see no reason in the public interest for such a request to be put to the I.R.C.

Mr. Jenkins

Will my hon. Friend congratulate Lord Aylestone on doing what apparently nobody else was willing to do and preventing this merger from coming about? Although the merger is off, will my hon. Friend ask the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation to acquire the cinema interests of Associated British Pictures so as to provide an independent outlet for British cinema films?

Mrs. Dunwoody

The Board of Trade said that if there were any increase in the holdings of E.M.I. it would be prepared to consider the whole situation again, but any such request to the I.R.C. would have to come from the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs.