§ Mr. FraserTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he intends to refer the proposed merger of Kingfisher with Dixon Group plc to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission; and if in his consideration he will take into account the local monopoly considerations as recently developed by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe proposed acquisition by Kingfisher plc of Dixons is currently being considered by the Director General of Fair Trading who has a duty to advise the Secretary of State on whether or not it should be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the proposed acquisition in anticipation of the director general's advice.