HC Deb 25 June 1953 vol 516 cc153-4W
13. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement regarding further references to the Monopolies Commission.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Not yet. But I hope to announce soon the reference of at least one new subject to the Commission.

14. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made on the references to the Monopolies Commission on non-ferrous metal semi-manufactures, imported timber and the printing of woven fabrics, respectively.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I received the Commission's Report on non-ferrous semi-manufactures on 21st April. I have been studying the Report, which deals with the facts only, and propose to make a statement very soon.

I understand that the Commission expect to report to me on the supply of imported timber during the summer and that they hope to be able to complete their report on the printing of woven fabrics before the end of the year.

16. Mr. Beswick

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of reports now made by the Monopolies Commission and the number of industries now under examination.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Seven and five respectively. In addition, a requirement for a report under Section 15 of the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices Act was sent to the Commission on 15th December last.

17. Mr. Beswick

asked the President of the Board of Trade to give details of the action taken within the past 18 months to implement recommendations made in the various reports of the Monopolies Commission.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The responsibility for action following a report of the Commission rests on the Minister who is the competent authority in respect of the goods which are the subject of that report. Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a Question to the Ministers concerned with the particular reports in which he is interested. On matches, the only goods within my responsibility on which the Commission have so far reported, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 17th June to the hon. Member for Blackburn, East (Mrs. Castle).