HC Deb 08 June 1981 vol 6 cc12-3
12. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will now take steps to reform the customer outlets of the British Gas Corporation, in the light of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's 1980 report.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The Government are considering how best to deal with the problems which the report highlighted, including the options suggested by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. No decisions have yet been taken.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Does not my hon. Friend agree, however, that the inescapable conclusion to be drawn—indeed, the only conclusion which could be drawn—from the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission is that to disembarrass the British Gas Corporation of its retailing activities would be vastly in the public interest? In the light of that, will my hon. Friend please not be put off by the huffing and puffing of that dedicated monopolist, Sir Denis Rooke?

Mr. Lamont

I note what my hon. Friend says, just as I have noted what he has written about this issue in the Sunday Telegraph. Obviously at this stage, when we are consulting all those involved and when no decision has yet been taken, it would be wrong for me to say anything beyond "I note what my hon. Friend has said."

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Is the Minister aware that the Opposition note that the Government have just reappointed that dedicated monopolist at the British Gas Corporation? May we be assured that the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission will be debated fully in this House before a decision is taken, and may we inquire which Secretary of State will come to the House to be questioned and to listen to the views of the House?

Mr. Lamont

Debating time in this House obviously is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House. I am sure that he will note what the right hon. Gentleman has said.

As for the right hon. Gentleman's second question, it is, of course, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade who will make any announcement in the House.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Is my hon. Friend aware that the British Gas Corporation must have spent a fairly substantial sum of money on propaganda against the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, including the extraordinary claim that if the report were accepted the choice of consumers would be curtailed? Does my hon. Friend agree with that astonishing claim, or does he think that the exact opposite would be the effect? Does he think that this propaganda by the corporation is a proper use of nationalised industry funds?

Mr. Lamont

Advertising is obviously a matter for the management of the BGC, but I share my hon. Friend's concern, and in fact I have written to Sir Denis Rooke about the advertising campaign and its cost. I am sure that Sir Denis will note my hon. Friend's comments. Certainly I shall draw them to his attention.