HC Deb 06 July 1966 vol 731 cc428-9
47. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the decision of the Monopolies Commission to disallow the proposed merger of the Ross Group of fishing companies and Associated Fisheries, he will introduce legislation to nationalise the fishing industry.

Mr. Hoy

No, Sir.

Mr. Hughes

Can the Minister say why that merger was refused, and what principle is applied to such cases? Is he national interest considered?

Mr. Hoy

Yes. In the first place the majority of the Commission opposed the merger for the reasons given in the Report. Secondly, the Government did not see any good reason for dissenting from the Report.