§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to investigate developments in the bus industry as a result of mergers and take-overs of privatised former national bus companies and municipal bus undertakings; and if he will make a statement. [13705]
295W
§ Mr. Nigel Griffiths[holding answer 30 October 1997]Each merger qualifying for consideration under the Fair Trading Act 1973 is considered on its individual merits. The President of the Board of Trade has said that her general policy will be to make merger references to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission primarily on competition grounds.
The Government are currently reviewing the provision and regulation of local bus services as part of the development of an integrated transport policy.