§ 40. Mr. Mappasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give an assurance that his proposed legislation on mergers will contain provisions to ensure that in such conditions employees' interests are reasonably safeguarded.
§ Mr. DarlingI do not think that this is a matter which should be covered by specific provisions in the legislation. The Bill which has been introduced leaves the Monopolies Commission, in investigating a merger at the request of the Government, free to take into account all matters relevant to the public interest, including where appropriate the effect of the merger as regards employment.