§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what investigations he has made into the proposed merger between Northern Engineering and Babcock and Wilcox; and whether he will make a statement, in view of the public funds previously paid to these firms.
§ Mr. CryerA merger of the water tube boiler interests of Babcock and Wilcox Ltd and Northern Engineering Ltd was recommended by the CPRS in its report on the United Kingdom power plant industry. The companies have been in negotiation on the terms of a merger and my Department has been kept fully informed. The companies' proposals are now under discussion.