§ 34. Mr. Jayasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what investigations his Department has made into the practice of pyramid-selling, as operated by firms such as Golden Chemical Products Limited, details of which have been sent to him by the right hon. Member for Battersea, North.
§ Sir J. EdenOur inquiries into the use of this practice by two companies are not yet complete.
§ Mr. JayIs the Minister aware that, though these activities may be carried on in a bona fide manner, they are open to abuse? As they have been controlled by legislation in a number of American States, does he not think that there is a case for doing the same here to protect the public?
§ Sir J. EdenI think that it would be wise to proceed with the inquiry which is being conducted under Section 109 of the Companies Act, 1967. This inquiry is still at a preliminary stage. I shall be better able to take stock of the position when I have seen the outcome of that inquiry.