Docks (Cube-cutting)

Oral Answers to Questions — Board of Trade – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 26 March 1969.

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Photo of Mr Arthur Lewis Mr Arthur Lewis , West Ham North 12:00, 26 March 1969

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now make a statement on his investigations concerning the trading operations connected with the practice known as cube-cutting and its effects upon costs of exports.

Photo of Mr Edmund Dell Mr Edmund Dell , Birkenhead

We are not in a position to make a statement. The investigation which my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General has asked the Director of Public Prosecutions to arrange is not yet completed.

Photo of Mr Arthur Lewis Mr Arthur Lewis , West Ham North

This has been going on for weeks! Cannot we have some productivity from the Minister's Department, or will he ask the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity to refer the matter to the National Board for Prices and Incomes?

Photo of Mr Edmund Dell Mr Edmund Dell , Birkenhead

The productivity which my hon. Friend is calling for is productivity in the Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions. I obviously cannot make any statement on an investigation which is in progress.