HC Deb 11 November 1970 vol 806 c193W
Mr. Body

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will now make a statement of the action he proposes to take on the Monopolies Commission Report on the Supply of Certain Services by Estate Agents.

Mr. Ridley

As my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Employment told the House on 16th July, the Government accept the conclusion of the Monopolies Commission that the arrangements which give rise to the practice of charging fees at standard rates operate against the public interest. We have made an Order declaring such arrangements to be unlawful. Where such arrangements are already in existence, six months' grace will be allowed for their termination. The Order will be laid before the House as soon as possible and the House will be invited to approve it.