§ Mr. Murrayasked the Minister of Technology if he will refer the charges made by television rental firms to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mr. BennMy right hon. Friend the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs and I have already decided to refer the question of costs and charges in this industry to the National Board for Prices and Incomes. The terms of reference have been made public today.
§ Mr. Murrayasked the Minister of Technology how many representations he has received from television rental firms asking to be allowed to increase their charges; and what answers he has given.
§ Mr. BennAlthough prior notification of proposed increases in charges for services is not explicitly required I have 217W received four, one of which was on behalf of three subsidiary companies. On the basis of the information provided by the companies concerned I have accepted the need for limited increases in these cases in accordance with the Government's prices policy described in the relevant White Papers (Cmnd. 3073 and 3150).
§ Mr. Murrayasked the Minister of Technology how many representations he has received regarding increases in the charges made for rental of television sets.
§ Mr. Benn223 representations have been received since May, 1966. Many related to increases in charges which occurred before the standstill began to operate.