§ 41. Mr. Holtasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will bring profits within the national incomes policy by means of measures against monopolies which will ensure that excessive profits are distributed to the consumer.
§ 42. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to prevent unduly high profits in monopolistic undertakings, in view of the policy of Her Majesty's Government to secure an incomes policy which is fair to all sections of the community.
§ Mr. MaudlingMy right hon. Friends and I have already made clear our view that a policy of economic expansion without inflation requires a competitive economy in which prices are reduced wherever possible and increased only where this is unavoidable. This is one of the subjects which the National Economic Development Council at present has under consideration. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development hopes to make a statement before long.