§ Sir J. Edenasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware that there is only one British supplier of seamless thickwall tubing in the range 1.5 inches to 7.9 inches outside diameter suitable for further manufacture; and what steps he is taking to end this monopoly position;
(2) if he is aware that the 20 per cent. tariff on seamless thickwall tubing suitable for manufacture imported into Great Britain from all countries other than members of the European Free Trade Association has the effect of protecting the single British monopoly supplier; what steps he is taking to increase competition in this product; and whether he will now negotiate for the reduction of the tariff.
§ Mr. DarlingOn the evidence before me, I do not consider that this is a suitable matter or reference to the Monopolies Commission. The hon. Member is already aware that the Board of Trade are always prepared to consider applications for a reduction in the import duty on a particular commodity from organisations representing a substantial proportion of the producer or consumer interests that are concerned.