§ 32. Mr. John Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Trade if, in view of his proposals to abolish the Price Commission, he will take steps to remove the powers of the commission to take legal action against firms which have refused to fill in questionnaires issued by it.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimPending the abolition of the Price Commission, it is my intention that the three examinations which it is currently conducting should continue. I have great sympathy with companies, especially small firms, who find the weight of questionnaires issued by the commission to be onerous. This is part of the operation of the Price Commission 29W Act, which we have announced our intention to repeal as soon as possible. However, while it remains in effect the law is the law and must be obeyed and I would hope that firms will comply with lawful requests from the commission.
§ 36. Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Trade why he intends to abolish the Price Commission.
§ Mr. NottThe effect of the Price Commission Act has been to depress industrial confidence and investment while its impact on inflation has been negligible. Our proposals for the strengthening of competition together with firm monetary and fiscal policies are the best way of containing inflation.