§ Lord Graham of Edmontonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied that the current proposal by the Bond Corporation to purchase the Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment (TESE) will not lead to any diminution of this sector of the British film industry, and whether they will confirm that it 1374WA is their intention to see that TESE will continue with its full range of operations in film financing, production, distribution and exhibition, and that it will retain its range of studio, library and cinema facilities.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Lucas of Chilworth)It was announced on 18th April that in accordance with the recommendation of the Director General of Fair Trading my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry had decided not to refer this proposed acquisition to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. In making that decision, he took into account all the circumstances relevant to the case. The question of whether Screen Entertainments Ltd. (as it is expected to be called) will continue with its full range of operations, and whether at the same level as formerly, must ultimately be a matter for the commercial judgment of the company. However, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will of course maintain a close interest in the company's future development.