§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer the BUPA takeover of Community Hospitals Group to the Competition Commission in respect of the implications of vertical integration in the supply of private medical services. [121598]
§ Dr. HowellsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will decide whether or not to refer this case to the Competition Commission in the light of the independent advice of the Director General of Fair Trading. Each case is considered on its individual merits.