§ 3.59 p.m.
VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLS BOROUGHMy Lords, may I ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any statement to make with regard to the proposed or actual take-over bid by Imperial Chemical Industries, Limited, of Courtaulds, Limited, and whether they propose to make an inquiry into the merger?
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMMy Lords, I think I should tell the House that my right honourable friend the President of the Board of Trade was asked by Private Notice in another place some moments ago a Question, Whether Her Majesty's Government will set up a public inquiry into the effects on the public interest of the proposed merger between I.C.I. and .Courtaulds.
My Lords, in answer to that question my right honourable friend said that
"Her Majesty's Government fully recognise the interest of the House in this important matter. The House will realise, however, that the issues involved are complex. Her Majesty's Government are not in a position to make a statement today, but hope to be able to do so very shortly."
VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLS BOROUGHMay I ask the Leader of the House whether he is aware that the working class organisations concerned in industry and industrial conditions are most interested to see the attitude of the supporters of the Conservative Government and how they treat a monopoly, or proposed monopoly? They seem to make inadequate plans for dealing with private monopolies, but interfere in every possible case when dealing with the nationalised industries.
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMMy Lords, I do not think I will pursue this matter with the Leader of the Opposition. When the noble Viscount sees the statement that is made, when it is made, I think we shall be in a position to discuss it more fully.