HC Deb 01 May 1984 vol 59 cc110-1W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will set out the present procedures to be followed once a nationalised industry has been investigated by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.

Mr. Fletcher

The present policy is normally for the industry investigated to prepare an initial response to the Commission's report some three to four months after publication, on which the sponsoring Minister makes a statement. A further statement on action taken should normally follow after 12 months.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reports on nationalised industry efficiency have been completed by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission; and what follow-up action has been taken in each case.

Mr. Fletcher

Sponsoring Ministers have made the statements listed below on action to follow up reports by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the efficiency of nationalised industries and other bodies under section 11 of the Competition Act 1980

Report Date of Statement Hansaed Columns
CEGB 17 February 1983 203–205
Severn-Trent water authority 7 December 1981 581–582
Bristol Omnibus Co. Ltd.and other bus 28 February 1983 42–44
undertakings 28 July 1983 552–553
Anglian and north-west water authorities 28 July 1983 558–559
Caledonian MacBrayne 26 July 1983 1101–1102
National Coal Board 28 July 1983 523–524
Yorkshire Electricity Board 28 February 1984 137–139
Civil Aviation Authority 29 March 1984 274–275

The action taken by British Rail following the commission's report on the London and south-east commuter service was described in the board's evidence to the Transport Committee during its review of transport in London in the 1981–82 Session.

The commission has also completed reports on London Transport's bus maintenance operations, published on 1 February 1984; and on the South Wales Electricity Board published on 29 February 1984.

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