HC Deb 18 February 1969 vol 778 cc76-7W
80. Mr. Milne

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to examine the effect of mergers on the British economy.

Mr. Dell

No. I consider it unlikely that a Royal Commission, or any other body, could reach valid conclusions about mergers in general. By promoting certain mergers through the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation, and by providing for the scrutiny of other mergers under the Monopolies and Mergers Act 1965, the Government seek to ensure that individual mergers should contribute as far as possible to the public interest.