HC Deb 23 February 1977 vol 926 cc573-5W
Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what is the estimated cost to public funds of the Price Commission for 1976–77.

Mr. Maclennan

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Pudsey (Mr. Shaw) on 27th January.—[Vol. 924, c.750.]

Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what consultations he proposes to have in connection with the appointment of a Chairman, Deputy Chairman and members of the board of the Price Commission on 31st July 1977.

Mr. Maclennan

My right hon. Friend will have the consultations necessary to enable him to select the persons best fitted for these appointments.

Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what was the annual cost of the headquarters and each of the 15 regional offices of the Price Commission in 1974, 1975 and 1976.

Mr. Maclennan

I regret that the information is not available in the form requested.

Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he will give details of the increases in salaries and other benefits allowed to members of the Price Commission under the Third Interim Report of the Top Salaries Review Body.

Mr. Maclennan

Following the publication of the Third Report of the Top Salaries Review Body, full-time members received in 1974 an increase of £350 followed by a series of threshold payments totalling £229.68p. Part-time members received pro rata increases.

Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what action he has taken on the 21 reports made to him by the Price Commission referred to on page 84 of the Commission's latest report.

Mr. Maclennan

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Melton (Mr. Latham) on 14th February.—[Vol. 926, c. 13.]

Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what are the numbers of personnel employed in the Price Commission on administration, executive and clerical grades, respectively; and what is the average annual salary and pension entitlement in each grade.

Mr. Maclennan

I understand from the Price Commission that the total number of staff in its employ is at present 659. Subject to the overall complement agreed with the Minister for the Civil Service and to approval to certain particular posts, the composition of the Price Commission's staff is a matter for the Commission. Rates of pay and pension arrangements are based on those applying in the Civil Service.

Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of Slate for Prices and Consumer Protection why the figures for the total cost to public funds of the Price Commission are not available for the periods ended 1st March 1974, 1975 and 1976.

Mr. Maclennan

Government expenditure is recorded and accounted for by financial years.