Company Investigations

Mr. Shersby
asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many companies are currently being investigated by the Price Commission ; and if he will publish their names in the Official Report.

Mr. Maclennan 
The Price Commission currently has under investigation, in accordance with Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Price Commission Act 1977, certain prices, or intended price increases, of the following enterprises: Barclays Bank Ltd.British Railways BoardCentral Electricity Generating BoardElectricity Council—acting as agent of and on behalf of the area electricity boards in England and WalesFisons Ltd. (Agrochemical Division) Metal Box Ltd.South Western Electricity Board—in respect of tariffs for the Isles of ScillyTate and Lyle Refineries Ltd.UG Glass Containers Ltd.The Commission also has under investigation the margins of 14 enterprises or sole traders engaged in the distribution of coal in South-West Wales.