Glaxo (Take-Over Bid)

HC Deb 17 January 1972 vol 829 cc13-4W

66. Mr. Milne

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in view of the statements made by the Chairman of Beecham's Limited and of Glaxo Laboratories Limited, he will now refer the Beecham take-over bid to the Monopolies Commission.

67. Mr. Torney

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will reconsider his refusal to refer to the Monopolies Commission the proposed bid by the Beecham Group for a take-over of the Glaxo Group.

Mr. John Davies

I have no grounds at present for changing the decision which I announced on 6th January.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why he will not publish his reasons for his refusal to refer a proposed merger to the Monoplies Commission; and if he will now publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT his reasons for refusing to refer the proposed merger between Glaxo and Beecham.

Mr. John Davies

Decisions are taken after a careful assessment of all the evid- ence available to the Government, much of which is confidential. It would not be practicable, therefore, to give reasons in individual cases.