§ 61. Mr. Edelmanasked the President of the Board of Trade what report he has received from the Monopolies Commission in connection with the increase in the number of conglomerate companies resulting from take-over bids and acquisitions; and what action he is taking.
§ Mr. DellThe Monopolies Commission's reports on the mergers proposed between Unilever and Allied Breweries and between the Rank Organisation and De La Rue were published this morning. They contain information about increases in merger activity in recent years, and examine issues arising in relation to conglomerate mergers. The Commission recommends the provision of further in- formation by companies undertaking mergers, and also by the Board of Trade. We are considering these recommendations and we propose to discuss with the C.B.I. and other interested bodies the specific suggestitons which the Commission has made.