§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he intends to refer to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission the bid by Williams Holdings for Racal Electronics; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Redwood[holding answer 28 November 1991]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary for State for Trade and Industry announced on 20 November that the proposed acquisition by Williams Holdings plc of Racal Electronics plc will be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission unless suitable undertakings are offered by Williams to remedy the expected adverse effects of the 687W proposed acquisition. He has asked the Director General of Fair Trading to open negotiations immediately with Williams Holdings with a view to obtaining such undertakings. Representations on what undertakings would be appropriate to remedy the adverse effects should be made in writing to the Office of Fair Trading by 29 November 1991.