§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Trade when the investigation into the 710W price of domestic gas appliances was referred to the Monopolies Commission; what were the reasons for the Monopolies Commission extending the period of investigation; and when the Monopolies Commission's report is due.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimThe supply in the United Kingdom of certain domestic gas appliances was referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission for investigation on 1 December 1977. The terms of reference, which was made by the Director General of Fair Trading, did not confine the commission to examining questions of price. The commission was granted an extension—to 31 May 1980—of the two-year period allowed for the investigation, following representations that the report could not be completed by the date originally specified. I understand that the main reason for this was to allow time for further hearings.
My right hon. Friend received the commission's report on 30 May. It will be published as soon as possible.