§ Mr. Barnettasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity (1) how many companies are covered by Clause 2(1) of the Commission for Industry and Manpower Bill;
(2) how many companies are covered by Clause 2(1) and (2) of the Commission for Industry and Manpower Bill.
§ Mr. DellSome 400 industrial companies have net assets exceeding £10 million. I would estimate that there are also a broadly similar number of major financial institutions above this limit. In addition there are companies whose net assets exceed £10 million when account is taken of the assets of the whole group of which they form part, but no total estimate is available, nor is it possible to estimate the number of companies which may fall within the criterion of market share in Clause 2(1)(b) of the Bill.