§ 5. Mr. Dodsworthasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what are his policies with regard to the proposals contained in the National Consumer Council's report "Consumers and the Nationalised Industries "(August 1976); and if he will make a statement.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection (Mr. Robert Maclennan)Since the Government received the NCC Report "Consumers and the Nationalised Industries" last year, we have engaged in extensive consultations. The Government intend to publish their response as soon as possible in a White Paper on the nationalised industries, which will also reply to the report of the National Economic Development Office.
§ Mr. DodsworthWill the Minister be kind enough to make representations to the Chairman of the Price Commission asking him to receive representations on behalf of rail users in respect of price increases which are to be effective from 8th January 1978 but on which the results of an investigation will not be received until February?
§ Mr. MaclennanIt is not necessary for me to make such representations to the Chairman of the Price Commission, who will no doubt receive representations from those who are interested in the matter which the Commission has under investigation as regards British Rail.
§ Mr. Mike ThomasWhen will the White Paper on the nationalised industries be published?
§ Mr. MaclennanAs soon as possible.
§ Mr. McCrindleAs one of the Ministers responsible for consumer protection, will the hon. Gentleman say what action he is taking to ensure that further consideration is given towards allowing essential and inescapable commuter expenditure to be set off against personal income tax? Is he opposing the attitude of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to this matter?
§ Mr. MaclennanIt would be sensible to wait for the conclusion of the Price Commission's investigation of the proposed increase. One will then be able to consider where to take the matter.