§ 2.38 p.m.
§ LORD AIREDALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to refer cross-channel ferry charges to the Monopolies Commission.
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD DRUMALBYN)My Lords, the noble Lord's proposal is at present being examined.
§ LORD AIREDALEMy Lords, I am obliged for that Answer. Was a similar answer given in another place about five or six months ago; and, if so, when may we hope for a more forthcoming answer?
§ LORD DRUMALBYNMy Lords, perhaps I may add that the proposal is being actively examined and I hope that a decision will be arrived at before long.
§ LORD BROWNMy Lords, would the noble Lord agree that the real issue is whether these services are being operated efficiently? Is it not time that the name of the Monopolies Commission was changed to the Efficiency Commission?
§ LORD DRUMALBYNMy Lords, we operate under the existing legislation, which concerns the public interest and whether companies operate in accordance with the public interest or are likely to operate against it.