§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Technology, on what date a reference was made to the National Board for Prices and Incomes of the computer rentals charged by International Business Machines; on what date the report is expected to be published; and if he will disclose the names of consultants employed in the preparation of the report.
§ Mr. BennThe reference was made on 8th April and was published in theLondon Gazette on 11th. It is too early to say how long the Board will take to report, but they are under a statutory duty to report within three months, subject to extension. Whether the Board employ consultants or not, and if so which, is a matter of their discretion.