§ 50. Dame Irene Wardasked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent he took account of the effect on the transformer industry in the North-East in deciding not to refer the proposed merger between Associated Electrical Industries and the General Electric Company to the Monopolies Commission; and what assurances he obtained to prevent a reduction of work on Tyneside as a result of the merger.
§ Mr. DarlingIn a merger of this magnitude, it would be impracticable at this stage to secure commitments about detailed deployment plans, and my decision was based on considerations of broad public interest for the country as a whole. The Companies concerned are well aware of the Government's policy for maintaining and increasing industrial activity in the Development Areas.