HC Deb 30 January 1964 vol 688 cc77-8W
30. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what estimate he has now made of the reduction in the cost of living following the abolition of resale price maintenance, on the assumption that all applications for the continuance of existing practices are rejected by the judicial tribunal.

Mr. Heath

The ending of resale price maintenance on all goods which are now price-maintained would in itself certainly reduce the cost of living. The extent will, of course, depend upon the effectiveness of the competition which results and the number of exemptions granted.

36. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what representations he has received in favour of the continuance of individual resale price maintenance.

Mr. Heath

Like many other members, I have had a number of letters and telegrams expressing a variety of views about resale price maintenance.

42. Mr. Oram

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development, if, in connection with the proposed Bill to deal with resale price maintenance, he will issue a White Paper which will include those parts of the Departmental Report on Resale Price Maintenance which it is not essential to keep confidential.

Mr. Heath

No. The report was the result of investigations conducted on the basis that the report would be confidential and it is not possible therefore to publish it.

43. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development from what organisation he is prepared to receive oral representations with regard to the drafting of his Bill relating to resale price maintenance; and whether he will give an assurance that the tribunal set up to decide whether any particular resale price maintenance scheme can continue or not will be no more restricted in its judgment than the Green and Lloyd Jacob Committees.

Mr. Heath

I am not proposing to seek a further round of consultations with those concerned before introducting a Bill. On the second part of my hon. Friend's Question, I cannot anticipate the Bill.