§ Mr. MorganTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is(a) the average period and (b) the statutory minimum period within which the Directors General of Fair Trading, for Electricity Supply and for Water Services (i) receive and (ii) make recommendations with respect to the referring of proposed mergers and takeovers in the relevant industries to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. [5057.]
Mr. John M. TaylorThere are no statutory minimum periods for consideration of mergers laid down in the Fair Trading Act for considering mergers. The other matters410W raised by the hon. Member are for the regulatory bodies concerned. I am arranging for the Director General of Fair Trading to send a reply to the hon. Member, in consultation with the Director General for Water Services and Director General for Electricity Supply as appropriate.