§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will ensure that Sir Peter Levene will not be involved in discussions of references to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansDecisions on references of mergers to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission are for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, after receiving independent advice from the Director General of Fair Trading. Anyone may put views to the Director General on possible references. In reaching his decision, the President takes great care to ensure that no conflicts of interest arise. He will naturally not discuss with Sir Peter Levene any case in which there might be such a conflict.