§ 27. Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what consideration was given to the television industry's future investment programme when he recently arranged a standstill in television rentals from certain companies.
§ Mr. MaclennanThe connection between the television rental and manufacturing industries, and the investment plans of the latter, were considered in some detail in the Price Commission report on which my right hon. Friend's action was based. Against this background, the Price Commission advised that the rentals of a number of companies should not be increased before 1st April 1979 beyond the levels applying at 31st August 1978.
These same issues were also discussed with the companies after the report was published. Following these discussions my right hon. Friend accepted voluntary assurances on levels of rental which fully reflected the advice of the Commission.