HC Deb 21 January 1987 vol 108 cc582-3W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list all decisions taken by him since 1983 regarding reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission of a proposed takeover of a public company reported on by the Office of Fair Trading giving, in each case, his reasons for those decisions.

Mr. Howard

No. The total number of qualifying mergers (actual and proposed) reported on by the Office of Fair Trading to the Secretary of State from 1983 to 1986 are as follows:

  • 1983:192
  • 1984:259
  • 1985:192
  • 1986:313

It would be disproportionately costly to provide an itemised list of the 956 cases involved. Of these 956 cases, 31 were referred to the MMC. A list of these references, together with copies of the press notices announcing them, have been placed in the Library of both Houses.

Mr. Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress in his review of existing legislation with regard to mergers and takeover bids.

Mr. Howard

Work on the review is continuing. If changes of policy within the existing law are identified as desirable, the Government will not hesitate to implement them.