HC Deb 28 November 1968 vol 774 cc715-6
Q1. Mr. Biffen

asked the Prime Minister what proposals he has to transfer responsibility for the Monopolies Commission from the Board of Trade to the Department of Employment and Productivity.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

None, Sir.

Mr. Biffen

In that case will the Prime Minister take this opportunity to assert that there is not the slightest danger that the National Board for Prices and Incomes will be given any authority over the Monopolies Commission, because the power of Mr. Aubrey Jones has increased, is increasing and ought to he diminished?

The Prime Minister

I deplore the lack of gallantry on the part of the hon. Gentleman about one of his former Conservative Ministers. I would have thought that, in the period since he became non-political, he has rendered very great service to this country. In reply to the first part of the question, I think it would be generally agreed that the Monopolies Commission properly remains the responsibility of the Board of Trade.

Mr. Moonman

Putting politics to one side, will not the Prime Minister agree that there is growing anxiety in the trade union movement about the need for a more civilised way to deal with redundancy procedures arising from mergers and takeovers? This would enable a more logical basis to be used for looking at mergers before they take place, and also the redundancies arising from them.

The Prime Minister

My hon. Friend will know that I answered a Question, I think of his, on that point some months ago, following which something in the nature of a code of conduct has been worked out in relation to redundancy procedures when mergers take place. In the latest big merger, that of English Electric and G.E.C., the new code was invoked and was regarded as generally satisfactory.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Since one problem surrounding the Monopolies Commission is the long delay that affects matters referred to the Commission, will the Prime Minister say when a statement from the Government will be made on the Commission's Report on man-made fibres? Is he aware that this Report has now been in the Minister's hands for nearly nine months and that we still have not had a squeak from him?

The Prime Minister

I will see that my right hon. Friend takes note of the question of the hon. Gentleman. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that my right hon. Friend has said in the context of delays with regard to the Monopolies Commission Reports that he is urgently studying the matter of possible reforms in Monopolies Commission procedure and will before long make a statement in the House.