§ 82. Mr. Thorntonasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what is his estimate, based on the information given to him by the Cotton Board, under use of its statutory powers, of the proportion of spinning spindles, doubling spindles, looms and finishing capacity, which will be controlled by Courtaulds and by Viyella, respectively, if the proposed and publicly-announced take-overs are effected.
§ Mr. D. PriceThere are statutory limitations on the disclosure of this information. In addition it is not the policy of the Board of Trade to make public information which relates to the business of individual firms.
§ Mr. Thorntonasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will make a statement on the expanding control of Courtaulds and Viyella in the textile industry covered by the Cotton Board; and to what extent recent developments will impede further verticalisation of the structure of the industry.
§ Mr. D. PriceThe activities of the two companies concerned have so far done a great deal to modernise and thereby strengthen the structure of the industry. The latest bids by Courtaulds seem to me to be directed towards furthering and not impeding verticalisation.