§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the terms of reference of the proposed Monopolies and Mergers Commission inquiry into private hospitals and private health insurance; if he will place the text of the Director General of Fair Trading's recommendations to him in the Library; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthI have arranged for a copy of the reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission of the acquisition by British United Provident Association Limited of HCA United Kingdom Limited to be placed in the Library. It is not our practice to publish the Director-General of Fair Trading's advice to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. In this case my right hon. Friend's decision to refer the acquisition to the Commission was in accordance with the Director-General's advice.