HC Deb 15 February 1989 vol 147 cc247-8W
Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many takeover bids were considered by the Office of Fair Trading in 1988.

Mr. Maude

In 1988 the Office of Fair Trading considered 306 merger situations qualifying under the terms of the Fair Trading Act 1973 for reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.

Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many takeover bids were recommended for referral to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission in 1988.

Mr. Maude

Ten qualifying merger situations were recommended for reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission in 1988.

Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many takeover bids were referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission in 1988.

Mr. Maude

Ten qualifying merger situations were referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission in 1988.

Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many letters he received from hon. Members on takeover bids in 1988.

Mr. Maude

During 1988 hon. Members sent in a considerable number of letters on this subject, but a precise count is not feasible.

Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many parliamentary questions he answered on takeover bids in 1988.

Mr. Maude

In 1988 more than 50 parliamentary questions were answered on mergers and related issues.

Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list in order of priority the factors he takes into account in reaching decisions to refer takeover bids to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.

Mr. Maude

In making his decision on whether or not to refer a merger situation to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State takes account of all aspects of a merger which might have a bearing on the public interest.

Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many letters were sent by hon. Members to the Director General of Fair Trading on takeover bids in 1988.

Mr. Maude

The Director General of Fair Trading received a considerable number of letters from hon. Members in 1988 about takeover bids. A precise count is not feasible.

Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many deputations of hon. Members the Director General of Fair Trading saw on takeover bids in 1988.

Mr. Maude

The Director General received three deputations of hon. Members on takeover bids and also met other hon. Members during 1988.

Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what consideration he gives to early-day motions on takeover bids.

Mr. Maude

I give due consideration to all such early-day motions.