§ Dr. Reginald Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether the long-expected bid of Prestcold Ltd. for the Searle Manufacturing Company has been made with the full knowledge and approval of the Monopolies Commission; and what percentage of the home market for domestic and for other products the conjoint companies are currently considered to command.
§ Mr. John FraserThis acquisition has only just been announced and I cannot, therefore, give an immediate decision concerning reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. But I hope to announce my decision shortly. I understand that the combined companies656W would possess a technical monopoly—in excess of 25 per cent.—in the supply of one kind of commercial refrigeration component.