§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will take steps to refer the typewriter industry to the Monopolies Commission, following the closure of the Imperial Typewriter plants in Leicester and Hull.
§ Mr. Jim Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will refer to the Monopolies Commission the closure of the Imperial Typewriter Company by Litton Industries on the grounds that it may be against the public interest.
Mr. Alan Williams:I do not consider that such a reference would help to solve the current problems, but I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry is considering with the trade unions the feasibility of continuing production at the company's plants on a viable basis.