§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether he intends to refer the acquisition by Trafalgar House Limited of Beaverbrook Newspapers Limited to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HattersleyI have decided, on the information at present available to me, not to refer this merger to the Commission. In discussing its future plans Trafalgar has informed the Government that it will continue publication of theDaily Express, Sunday Express and Evening Standard for at least three years, subject to no serious worsening in present losses and to co-operation from the unions; has provided information on its intentions for financial investment in Beaverbrook, employment and agreement with the unions; and has said that it will allow editorial freedom within broad policy limits.