§ 2.39 p.m.
§ LORD SORENSENMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration has been given to the allegation that certain business agencies have been making excessive charges for the transfer of small businesses whether engaged on production or distribution.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, BOARD OF TRADE (LORD BROWN)My Lords, 1252 we have seen a few reports alleging excessive charges by agents for the transfer of small businesses. The most recent was about six months ago. If my noble friend has evidence that this practice is widespread he may like to send it to me, but I should explain that we have no powers at present to take any action.
§ LORD SORENSENMy Lords, am I to understand from my noble friend that it is recognised that there are excessive charges in certain cases? If that is so, would it not be wise and appropriate for the Government at least to investigate the matter to see what action can be taken?
§ LORD BROWNMy Lords, no. We do not recognise that there are excessive charges. There may be, but the recognition of excess implies the ability to lay down a standard, and in a matter as complex as assisting in the sale of a business, with all the necessary calculations as to future profitability and so on, the laying down of a standard is a very difficult matter indeed. If my noble friend has examples we should be interested to hear of them because this would give us data on which we could consider the future of the matter. But we do not believe that this is a widespread evil at the moment, and if such an evil did in fact exist we have no powers at the moment to deal with it.