§ Sir Anthony Meyerasked the Secretary of Trade what undertakings he proposes to refer to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission under section 11 of the Competition Act 1980; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimMy right hon. Friend intends to refer a number of public sector bus undertakings to the commission. The undertakings to be included in the investigation are City of Cardiff Transport, West Midlands passenger transport executive, and two National Bus Company subsidiaries, Bristol Omnibus Company (including Cheltenham District Traction Company) and Trent Motor Traction Company. The inquiry will cover the principal aspects of the undertakings' efficiency in supplying stage carriage services, including the use of manpower, maintenance procedures and investment planning. The commission will also be asked to consider whether any of the undertakings is in any way abusing a monopoly situation. Precise terms of reference for the inquiry will be announced shortly.
I believe that passengers, ratepayers and the bus industry itself will welcome this investigation, which should help to improve efficiency not only in the undertakings immediately concerned but in the whole of the industry.