§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he intends to establish a code of practice to prevent unfair trading in man-made fibres.
§ Sir J. EdenI have given full consideration to the proposals of the previous Government but since a code would be likely to limit the freedom of producers and users alike to respond to market forces, I have concluded that it would not be helpful. A strong and efficient textile industry is best served by having a number of strong fibre producers in free competition with one another. The Man-Made Fibre Producers' Committee has undertaken to consult with my Department about any complaint of abuse of market power or of action which would tend to inhibit the development of a competitive textile industry. Trading in man-made fibres, of course, remains subject to the provisions of the monopolies legislation.