§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what action he proposes to take on the recommendation of the Price Commission in its report on Southalls (Birmingham) Limited into sanitary protection and other hygiene products that all companies in the industry shall restrain their advertising and promotional expenditure because consumers are particularly vulnerable to a lack of real competition as stated in paragraph 5.10 of that report.
§ Mr. MaclennanThe Commission's remarks on the level of advertising expenditure in the sanitary protection industry are addressed primarily to the industry itself. The observation in paragraph 5.10 of the Commission's report684W is not a formal recommendation as defined in Section 6 of the Price Commission Act 1977, and my right hon. Friend has no power to enforce it by order. The Commission's views are, however, being drawn to the attention of the industry through its trade association and I shall be watching to see what progress is made in this area. Additionally, the Commission will be able to assess the response to its findings when looking at prices and proposed price increases in the industry.