§ Mr. Lomasasked the Minister of Technology whether he has yet received a report from the National Board for Prices and Incomes on the proposed increase in rental charges for equipment hired from I.B.M. United Kingdom Limited; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wedgwood BennYes. My right hon. Friend the First Secretary of State and I have received this report which is being published today.
The principal recommendations of the Report are that the proposed increase for new rental contracts are justified under the Prices and Incomes policy but that smaller increases would be appropriate for rentals under existing contracts. Discussions with I.B.M. United Kingdom Ltd. on the Board's recommendations have already begun.