§ 46. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he will take to prevent United States interests securing control of more than 70 per cent. of the British dental manufacturing industry, thus cutting out part of the export trade, through the proposed take-over of Amalgamated Dental Company Limited by Dentists Supply Company of New York.
§ Mr. DarlingOn 10th February, my right hon. Friend referred to the Monopolies Commission the proposed acquisition of the Amalgamated Dental Co. Ltd. by either the Dentists' Supply Co. of New York or the Dental Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
§ Mr. LewisIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that his right hon. Friend has the power to preserve the status quo with these companies while they are before the Monopolies Commission? If not, will he urge the Monopolies Commission to take power to ensure that the status quo is preserved, otherwise it is no good bringing the matter before the Commission?
§ Mr. DarlingMy right hon. Friend has this power under the Act and any merger can be stopped. No merger can then take place until the Monopolies Commission has reported.