§ 2.36 p.m.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
[The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied that the Electric Lamp Manufacturers' Association have now fully implemented the undertaking given to effect the necessary changes in their rules and methods, in conformity with the agreed proposals arising from the report of the Monopolies Commission on the electric lamp industry.]
LORD LLOYDMy Lords, I am assured that the Electric Lamp Manufacturers' Association have made the necessary changes in their rules and methods.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, with respect to the noble Lord, that is hardly an answer to the Question I asked. I asked whether Her Majesty's Government were satisfied that these conditions had been complied with. The Electric Lamp Manufacturers' Association gave the noble Lord's right honourable friend an undertaking that these conditions would be satisfied by July 1. I now ask whether the noble Lord is satisfied that they have been complied with—not whether he has been assured they have, but that he is satisfied that they have.
LORD LLOYDMy Lords, it is very shortly after July 1. I must be perfectly frank with the House. I have not seen the latest copy of the rules of the Electric Lamp Manufacturers' Association, but I have no reason to doubt that if they gave an undertaking to the Minister they would observe their promises and their undertaking. My right honourable 834 friend is satisfied that they will carry that out and, so far as I know, they have carried it out.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHIf I put down a Question on this matter at a later date, perhaps the noble Lord will be able to give me a more specific answer.