HC Deb 05 December 1977 vol 940 cc998-9
13. Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether he is satisfied with the operation of the criteria for efficiency under Section 2 of the Price Commission Act.

Mr. Maclennan

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Shersby

Why are investigations being concentrated on successful and efficient companies in the private sector instead of, for example, on British Leyland and the British Steel Corporation?

Mr. Maclennan

A number of investigations are under way in the public sector at present, including the proposed price increases of the British Railways Board, the Central Electricity Generating Board, the Electricity Council and the South-West Electricity Board. The Price Commission, in choosing its first candidates for investigation, has succeeded in demonstrating even-handedness as between the public and private sectors.