HL Deb 15 July 1994 vol 556 c2110

12.33 p.m.

Lord Strathclyde rose to move, That the order laid before the House on 14th June be approved [21st Report from the Joint Committee].

The noble Lord said: My Lords, this order aims to modify the de minimis thresholds applicable to investigations of anti-competitive conduct under the Competition Act 1980. The order changes the thresholds in two ways. First, it increases the turnover threshold from £5 million to £10 million. Secondly, it decouples the turnover threshold from the market share threshold. Businesses no longer have to fall below both thresholds in order to be excluded from investigation. Instead, they will be excluded if they or their group fall below either the turnover threshold or the 25 per cent. market share threshold. I commend the order to the House.

Moved, That the draft order laid before the House on 14th June be approved [21st Report from the Joint Committee].—(Lord Strathclyde.)

Lord Peston

My Lords, this is an immensely important order and I am delighted that the Minister has introduced it. I can see nothing controversial about it and I hope that we are able to proceed.

On Question, Motion agreed to.