§ Mrs. Winifred Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether the declared proposed powers of the National Enterprise Board to initiate takeover bids for companies will cover Scottish registered companies; and if so, whether the consent of the Scottish Development Agency will be required.
§ Mr. Heffer:The Industry Bill empowers the NEB, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State, to acquire majority shareholdings in any company where this would help the NEB carry out its functions. The NEB, however, will consult with the SDA about the exercise of its powers in Scotland.