HC Deb 19 April 1967 vol 745 cc95-6W
86. Mr. Oakes

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now make a statement on the outcome of his discussions with the principal household detergent manufacturers, regarding a reduction in price as recommended by the Monopolies Commission Report.

Mr. Jay

I am not yet in a position to add to my earlier statements on this subject.

90. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that two big groups of manufacturers control 90 per cent. of the £75 million washing powder market, and that one of these groups refuses to implement a Monopolies Commission recommendation that wholesale prices should be cut by 20 per cent. and marketing expenses by 40 per cent.; what action he proposes to take in connection with this matter; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Jay

As I have said in reply to previous Questions, I am still in negotiation with the principal manufacturers concerned. I shall make a further statement as soon as possible.