HC Deb 30 January 1978 vol 943 cc4-5W
22. Mr. Hodgson

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether, in his review of competition policy, he will take into account the effects of the Price Commission on industrial confidence.

Mr. Hattersley

Yes.

31. Mr. Macfarlane

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what effect he expects the activities of the Price Commission to have on industrial production in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Roy Hattersley

The function of the Price Commission and the criteria by which it must act have been designed to take account of the interests of industry, the consumer and the nation. Its activities will promote competition and efficiency in British industry.

36. Mr. Molloy

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what representations he has received from companies about the operation of the Price Commission Act 1977; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclennan

None, apart from representations from some of the firms investigated.

37. Mr. Montgomery

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many reports he has received from the Price Commission since the coming into operation of the Price Commission Act 1977.

Mr. Maclennan

My right hon. Friend has received seven reports under the Price Commission Act 1977, and a report on tea under Schedule 1 to the Counter-Inflation Act 1973. He has also received the last report of the former Commission for the period June and July 1977 and the first report of the Commission since the coming into operation of the Price Commission Act 1977 covering its activities for the period August-October 1977 inclusive.

38. Mr. Heffer

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what complaints, other than those from the Opposition Front Bench spokesman, he has received over the operation of the Price Commission.

Mr. Hattersley

Apart from comments on individual reports put to my Department by the enterprises concerned, since August 1977 I have received one complaint about a questionnaire circulated to publishers in connection with an examination under Section 10 of the Price Commission Act 1977.