HC Deb 17 December 1979 vol 976 cc35-6W
35. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is his policy on the control of conglomerates in the light of the Government's attitude to free competition.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

The creation of large conglomerate companies can give rise to concern because of possible indirect effects on competition and because of their implications for national industrial efficiency. I shall continue to consider very carefully case by case whether such mergers should be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission for investigation. I am also considering the questions raised by conglomerate mergers as part of the wider review of competition policy.