HC Deb 17 February 1953 vol 511 cc112-3W
79. Mr. P. Wells

asked the Minister of Works whether a decision to refer to the Monopolies Commission the activities of the London Builders' and Regional Builders' Conferences has yet been reached.

Mr. Eccles

No decision has yet been taken.

80. Mr. P. Wells

asked the Minister of Works how many contracts have been awarded by his Department to builders who have not signed the declaration drawn up by his Department and since adopted by a number of local authorities, the object of which is to curtail the activities of the London Builders' Conference.

Mr. Eccles

The declaration has been issued by my Department since 1st October, 1951, with tenders for all building works over £3,000 in any part of the country. 165 contracts have been awarded to firms who have not signed the declaration.

81. Mr. P. Wells

asked the Minister of Works how many builders have signed the declaration drawn up by his Department with the object of curtailing the activities of the London Builders' Conference, to the nearest convenient date.

Mr. Eccles

Up to the end of January last 457 firms have signed the declarations; approximately 53 of these were in the London area.