HC Deb 07 March 1961 vol 636 cc20-1W
Mr. Owen

asked the President of the Board of Trade what industries are being investigated by the Monopolies Commission at the latest convenient date; what investigations were completed during 1959–60; and what action has been taken by his Department in this connection.

Mr. Maudling

The Monopolies Commission at present have two references before them:

  1. (a) the supply of electrical equipment for motor vehicles;
  2. (b) the "solus sites" system of retail sale of petrol in the United Kingdom.

A report on the supply of chemical fertilisers was submitted to me on 23rd July, 1959, and was published on 16th February, 1960. In addition a report on the supply of cigarettes and tobacco and of cigarette and tobacco machinery was submitted to me on 6th January, 1961, and is being prepared for publication.

For action taken up to the end of 1960 on the report on the supply of chemical fertilisers and on earlier reports, I would refer the hon. Member to the Annual Report of the Board of Trade on the operation of the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices Acts, 1948 and 1953, which has been laid before the House. Discussions are continuing with the industrial interests concerned on matters raised by the report on chemical fertilisers.

Mr. Darling

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he intends to introduce legislation to amend the scope of references to, and the constitution of, the Monopolies Commission.

Mr, N. Macpherson

My right hon. Friend does not think that there is any need for such legislation.