HC Deb 10 March 1988 vol 129 cc295-6W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the merger of GEC and Plessey.

Mr. Maude

On 29 January my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State announced his decision not to refer to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission the proposal by GEC and Plessey to establish a joint venture company to handle the telecommunications interests of both companies. His decision was in accordance with the advice of the Director General of Fair Trading.

My right hon. and noble Friend has asked the Director General to negotiate with GEC modifications to the undertakings given by GEC following the MMC's report of August 1986 on the proposed merger between GEC and Plessey, to the extent that such modifications are necessary in order to allow the proposed joint venture to proceed.