HC Deb 27 November 1962 vol 668 cc193-4
19. Mr. Callaghan

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken to satisfy himself that the recent increases in prices from between 7 per cent. to 13 per cent. applied to the smaller consumers by the British Oxygen Company are reasonable, in view of the undertakings given to him by the company, following recommendations contained in the Monopolies Commission Report of 20th December, 1956.

Mr. D. Price

There is nothing in the British Oxygen Company's undertakings which provides for the company's prices to be approved by the Board of Trade.

Mr. Callaghan

Is the Minister satisfied with giving a reply like that, in view of the recommendation of the Monopolies Commission that he should take steps to prevent British Oxygen from charging prices higher than are reasonable and in view of the finding of the Commission that the profits of this company were unjustifiably high? Is he really telling us that he has done nothing to satisfy himself that the three-yearly review of price levels recommended by the Commission has been carried out? Is he sitting there doing nothing?

Mr. Price

If the hon. Gentleman recalls the statement of 21st March, 1958, in response to the recommendations of the Monopolies Commission about British Oxygen, he will remember that it was not accepted by the then President of the Board of Trade that the Board of Trade should control the prices of British Oxygen, and that furthermore, it was doubtful whether the President of the Board of Trade had any powers to do so. The plain fact is that the company's last statement showed that its profit margins were lower than they had been for a long time. Furthermore, no complaint has been received by the Board of Trade from any individual consumer about the proposed price increase.

Mr. Callaghan

Does not the hon. Gentleman read the Press? Has he not seen complaints by smaller consumers of oxygen in South Wales and other areas about recent price increases? Why does he lie down in front of this company and invite himself to be trampled on in this way? Why does he not investigate the level of prices? Why set up the Monopolies Commission and get it to make recommendations and then ignore them? Why not get on and do something?

Mr. Price

I repeat that my right hon. Friend has no power—

Mr. Callaghan

Why not take it?

Mr. Price

—to control the prices of British Oxygen.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Dance.

Mr. Callaghan

Has he nothing more to tell us—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) will be getting me into trouble with the House again.