HC Deb 12 January 1987 vol 108 c6W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish in the Official Report the recent correspondence he has had with the Lonrho Company about the circumstances in which the Al-Fayed family was given permission to purchase the House of Fraser group; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Howard

No.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer again to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission the purchase of the House of Fraser company by the Al-Fayed family in the light of the new information which has been presented to him by Lonrho since the date of approval: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Howard

My right hon. Friend is considering carefully material submitted on behalf of Lonrho plc concerning the purchase of House of Fraser by the Fayed family. He will decide what action if any to take in the light of that consideration, and the advice of the Director General of Fair Trading.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has yet replied to the letter dated 18 December from the chairman of Lonrho plc regarding an offer in respect of the House of Fraser.

Mr. Howard

Yes. A reply was sent on 5 January.