HL Deb 09 March 1983 vol 440 c316WA
The Earl of Onslow

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will report progress on the rolling programme of references to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission of nationalised industries.

Lord Cockfield

During the course of 1982 reports were published on four bus undertakings and the sewerage functions of the Anglian and North West Water Authorities. The report on Caledonian MacBrayne was published on 23rd February and I have also received the commission's report on the National Coal Board which will be published in due course.

The commission is currently investigating the costs and efficiency of the Civil Aviation Authority's air traffic control services, and the Yorkshire Electricity Board. The latter investigation will be followed by a study of the costs and efficiency of the South Wales Electricity Board.

In addition, I shall shortly be referring the bus maintenance operations of London Transport, and later the Merchant Shipbuilding activities of British Shipbuilders. Towards the end of the year I intend to refer an aspect of the operations of the Post Office.

Terms of reference will be announced as each reference is made.