HL Deb 20 June 1990 vol 520 cc919-20

2.45 p.m.

Lord Molloy asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, and if so in what circumstances, in 1986 representations were made to Cabinet Ministers to influence a decision on a reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.

Viscount Ullswater

My Lords, a very considerable number of representations were made to Ministers in 1986. However, under the Fair Trading Act 1973, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry reaches his own decision on whether or not to make a reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission after considering the advice put to him by the Director General of Fair Trading.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, I thank the noble Viscount for that reply. Is he aware that since I put the Question down on the Order Paper—although not because of it —there has been a considerable increase of interest from the media regarding the matter? Since it is not inconceivable that it may become sub judice, I do not believe that I should pursue the matter with further quesions.

Viscount Ullswater

My Lords, I note what the noble Lord says.