§ 33. Mr. Popplewellasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a local firm offered tea at 1s. per pound cheaper to the Hillfield Friendship Club, Newcastle upon Tyne; that, before the first delivery was made, the offer had to be cancelled because the firm was told future supplies would be stopped if the retail price was cut; and if he will ask the Monopolies Commission to expedite its report on restrictive practices regarding tea.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe Commission is not investigating the supply of tea as such, but its current inquiry under Section 15 of the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices Act, 1948, has a close bearing on the methods used to enforce resale price conditions. I hope to receive the Commission's report by the middle of the year.