§ Andrew MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will refer to the Competition Commission a bid to take over Belfast City airport. [91342]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonUnder the Fair Trading Act 1973 a merger qualifies for investigation if it creates or enhances a 25 per cent. share of supply in the UK or a substantial part of the UK, or if the gross value of the worldwide assets being taken over is more than £70 million.
In the first instance it is for the Director General of Fair Trading to advise Ministers on whether or not a qualifying merger should be referred to the Competition Commission.