§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions he has had with the European Commission to establish whether the proposal of his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment on merger policy with regard to the water industry of 11 January,Official Report, column 841, is likely to contravene European Economic Community competition policy and what response he has received.
§ Mr. Maude[holding answer 2 February 1989]: Formal clearance by the EC Commission of the proposals for mergers in the water industry is not necessary. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment will, however, be keeping the Commission informed about the details of his proposals.