§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer the takeover bid by Hanson Trust for Imperial Tobacco Ltd. to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardThe proposed takeover is currently being considered by the Director General of Fair Trading. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will make his decision on whether it634W should be referred for further investigation by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission in the light of that advice.