Clause 5. — (Agreements to Which Part I Applies.)

Part of Orders of the Day — Restrictive Trade Practices Bill – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 26 April 1956.

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Photo of Sir John Barlow Sir John Barlow , Middleton and Prestwich 12:00, 26 April 1956

I do not think we can assume that the connection which the hon. Member for Islington, North (Mr. Fienburgh) suggested between his own illnesses and restrictive practices is valid in any way. It seemed to me that he was looking into rather different fields.

We are told that there are many restrictive practices which should be changed or dropped altogether. I believe that, very fortunately, many so-called practices have already passed out of existence, and before this Bill becomes an Act I hope and think that many more will do so. What we are afraid of, from the practical point of view, is whether, as soon as these courts begin sitting, they will be rather overwhelmed with work until they have established their case law. It would be very unwise to consider things which have perished in the past, because the courts should consider things which may be against the public interest in the present and in the future. For that reason, I hope that the President will resist this Amendment.