§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to publish the Monopolies Commission report on the proposed mergers involving Beechams, Boots and Glaxo.
§ Mr. John DaviesThe Report has been published this afternoon. The Commission's conclusion was that either of the proposed mergers might be expected to operate against the public interest. The Commission was unable to recommend any action which would remedy or prevent the detriment which might result if either of the mergers were to be permitted. I have accepted this conclusion and I am asking both Beecham Group Ltd. and The Boots Company Ltd. for an assurance that they will not now proceed with a formal bid for Glaxo Holdings Ltd.