Fertilisers

HC Deb 23 July 1957 vol 574 cc27-8W

62. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade, the Customs Duties at present imposed on imported fertilisers.

Mr. Walker-Smith

Many materials subject to varying rates of duty are used as fertilisers. I am sending the details to the hon. Member.

Mr. Champion

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the fertiliser industry was referred to the Monopolies Commission; and when he expects the report on that industry from the commission.

Sir D. Eccles

The reference was made on 29th October, 1955. On 30th August, 1956, after the passage of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act, the scope of the inquiry was altered to comply with the conditions of the new Act. As my hon. and learned Friend stated on the 23rd May, I do not expect to receive the Report for some time.