§ 19. Mr. Tim SmithTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the value of takeovers by overseas companies in the United Kingdom for the latest convenient period; and what was the corresponding figure for overseas takeovers by United Kingdom companies.
§ Mr. MaudeThe value of cross-border acquisition and mergers by overseas companies in the United Kingdom in the 12 months to September 1988 was £5.8 billion. The corresponding figure for cross-border acquisitions and mergers by United Kingdom companies was £11.7 billion.
§ 25. Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he next plans to meet the chairman of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to discuss takeover policy.
§ Mr. MaudeI have no plans at present to meet the chairman of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to discuss merger policy. The chairman of the Commission meets my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and myself from time to time to discuss matters relevant to the work of the commission.
§ 29. Mr. ButterfillTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action he is taking to ensure a level playing field for takeover bids within the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. MaudeThe Government raised the issue of barriers to takeovers in Europe at the Internal Market Council on 18 November.
§ 60. Mrs. MahonTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the current level of company spending on takeovers.
§ Mr. MaudeIn the 12 months to September 1988 United Kingdom industrial and commercial companies' expenditure on acquisitions of United Kingdom companies was about £20 billion and their expenditure on acquisitions of overseas companies was about £6 billion. Further information is published in Business Monitor MQ7 "Acquisitions and mergers by industrial and commercial companies".