Price-fixing Arrangements

Oral Answers to Questions — Housing – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 28 October 1952.

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Photo of Mr Marcus Lipton Mr Marcus Lipton , Lambeth Brixton 12:00, 28 October 1952

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what advice he has given to local authorities in the London area in connection with tenders for housing contracts submitted by member firms of the London Builders' Conference.

Photo of Mr Harold Macmillan Mr Harold Macmillan , Bromley

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave him on 21st October. Local authorities are well able to look after themselves, and I see no reason to give them advice on this subject until they ask for it.

Photo of Mr Marcus Lipton Mr Marcus Lipton , Lambeth Brixton

As a long time may elapse before the President of the Board of Trade does something or nothing about it, will the Minister in the meantime at least encourage local authorities to require an undertaking from contractors that no tender shall be submitted to this price-fixing body, which holds the community to ransom, before the tender is considered by the local authority concerned?

Photo of Mr Harold Macmillan Mr Harold Macmillan , Bromley

Unlike some people, I believe that local authorities are quite well able to manage these affairs themselves. I am grateful to the hon. and gallant Gentleman for this publicity which will help them in their efforts.