HC Deb 07 June 1995 vol 261 cc238-9W
Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what level of concentration of cinema chains entails referral to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission; and if he will make a statement. [27080]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

The is no level of concentration, whether of cinema chains or of other businesses, which automatically triggers reference to the MMC. Under the Fair Trading Act 1973, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade may refer any merger which involves the acquisition of assets worth more than £70 million, or which creates or increases a 25 per cent. market share. Under the monopoly provisions of the Act, the Director General of Fair Trading referred the supply of films to cinemas to the MMC, whose report was published in October 1994.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what inquiries his Department has recently received in respect of references to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission of cinema ownership. [27081]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

The Department has received a small amount of correspondence on the possible sale of MGM cinemas. This has been forwarded to the Director General of Fair Trading, who advises on possible merger references to the MMc. In addition, the Department has received a small amount of correspondence on the MMC's recent report on the supply of films to cinemas.

Mr. Elletson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will take into account the effect on competition in the regions in his consideration of the proposed bid for MGM cinemas by the Rank Organisation. [27161]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, South on 15 May 1995,Official Report, column 29.