§ 43. Mr. John Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment his Department has made of the effect upon the footwear industry of the proposed takeover of Chamberlain Phipps by Wardle Storeys.
§ 69. Mr. Fryasked the Secretary of State of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received relating to the implications for the British footwear industry of the proposed takeover bid by Wardle Storey for Chamberlain Phipps.
§ Mr. HowardMy right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has received no representations from the footwear industry on this subject. He makes his decision on whether a qualifying merger should be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission for further investigation in the light of advice from the Director General of Fair Trading. Both my right hon. Friend and the Director General take into account all relevant aspects of a proposal, including its potential effects on the markets concerned. My right hon. Friend this morning announced his decision not to refer this merger to the MMC. His decision was in accordance wit h the Director General's recommendation.