HC Deb 10 July 1968 vol 768 cc507-8
29. Mr. Emery

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he will announce his decision on the Report of the Monopolies Commission on the supply of man-made cellulosic fibres.

Mr. Crosland

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the right hon. Member for Leeds, North-East (Sir K. Joseph) on 25th June.—[Vol. 767, c. 56.]

Mr. Emery

As it is now over three years since the reference was made, and it is four months since the Report has been in the Government's hands, does not the Minister think that the delay is too long? Could not he ensure that a statement is made before the Houses rises for the Summer Recess?

Mr. Crosland

I do not think that the delay is too long. As the hon. Gentleman knows, I have already instituted the tariff review which was recommended by the Monopolies Commission. We have had discussions with the company on the other recommendations, but I do not want to deal with the recommendations in a piecemeal fashion. In view of the importance of the result of the tariff review for getting the whole picture I should prefer to have it, as I hope I will in the next two months, before taking a view on the recommendations as a whole.