§ Sir Anthony Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Trade if, in view of the high initial costs of installation of burglar alarms, he will refer the recent increases in rental charges for these systems to the Monopolies Commission.
§ Mr. Sally OppenheimI am aware of disquiet about the high levels of initial costs and rental charges in this market, which were the subject of a report by the Price Commission in 1977. The Director General is considering whether it would be appropriate for him to exercise any of80W his powers under the Fair Trading Act 1973 or the Competition Act 1980. He could not, however, do so until certain questions arising under the restrictive trade practices legislation have been resolved.