§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) following the acquisition of Redpath, Dorman Long by the Trafalgar House group, what percentage of the total 366W investment in the United Kingdom and (b) direct manufacturing investment overseas in each year since 1960; and what has been the percentage annual change in both services.
§ Mr. MacGregorFigures of United Kingdom manufacturing investment are in the following table. There are no comparable figures available for the capital expenditure by overseas affiliates of United Kingdom companies. The only data available relate to net direct investment by United Kingdom companies in their overseas affiliates engaged in manufacturing. These figures are also shown in the table and consist of the net amount invested in the share and loan capital, short-term loans, trade credit and unremitted profits of overseas affiliates. These affiliates use this to finance increases in working capital, repay loans, and so on, as well as to purchase fixed assets.
market for bridge building is controlled by the new group; and what is the relative size of the next largest United Kingdom competitors;
(2) following the acquisition of Redpath, Dorman Long by the Trafalgar House group, what percentage of the market for heavy construction projects and structural steel work is controlled by the new group; and what is the relative size of the next largest United Kingdom competitor;
(3) following the acquisition of Redpath, Dorman Long by the Trafalgar House group, what percentage of the total market for heavy piling is controlled by the new group; and what is the relative size of the next largest United Kingdom competitor.
§ Dr. VaughanI have been asked to reply.
My right hon. and noble Friend's decision not to refer this merger to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission was based on a careful consideration of the factors 367W involved. He concluded that the acquisition did not raise issues of competition or other matters of public interest sufficient to justify an investigation by the commission.
Contrary to comments suggesting larger percentages, it is estimated that the combined company would have no more than 10 per cent. of the total United Kingdom market for structural steel work, including bridges. Even in the narrower market for the larger kinds of heavy construction work where the firms are stronger, its share is unlikely to exceed 15 per cent. In the United Kingdom piling market, its combined share would be around 20 per cent. In each market there are numerous United Kingdom competitors. The merger is thus likely to have only limited effect on competition within the United Kingdom; but it should give the combined group extra strength in international tendering.
Date of abscond Name Offence 28 January 1982 Woods worth, Allan John Burglary, breach of probation order 4 February 1982 Manley, Sidney Burglary, breach of probation order 12 February 1982 Plaza, Robert Edward Attempted deception, deception, theft, driving while disqualified 26 February 1982 Connolly, Michael Anthony Deception, theft, intent to defraud 28 February 1982 Munn, Michael Anthony Possessing an offensive weapon, breach of the peace 16 March 1982 McAllister, Gerald Joseph Burglary 23 March 1982 Bridges, Danny Dishonest appropriation 26 March 1982 Newey, Timothy Albert Theft 5 April 1982 Gyongi, Istvan Manslaughter 12 April 1982 Pullen, Harry David Burglary 24 April 1982 Shortiss, Michael George Theft 27 April 1982 Hipkiss, Colin Theft 1 May 1982 Gould, Rodney Frank Attempted or actual bodily harm, theft 1 May 1982 Rowley, Michael Henry Theft, false representations, walking on motorway 14 May 1982 Wale, Kevin Richard Burglary, taking without owner's permission Six absconders were still at large at 20 May 1982.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the 59 escapes from Sudbury open prison in 1980, and the 51 in 1981, what action he has taken or intends taking to prevent such escapes in 1982 and in future years.
§ Mr. RaisonWe regard these as absconds rather than escapes, since Sudbury is an open prison. Every abscond is investigated to establish the reasons for it. My right hon. Friend considers that the existing arrangements for the allocation of prisoners to open prisons are broadly satisfactory, but he will continue to keep them under review.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what investigations have taken place into alleged irregularities that there have been in the past three years, and with what result, in the operation in the Sudbury open prison, near Derby; and whether he proposes to hold any new inquiry as a result of further allegations.
§ Mr. RaisonA police investigation in 1980 into alleged corruption among staff at Sudbury resulted in the conviction of one former member of staff for offences of corruption and receiving stolen property. There have been no such allegations or inquiries subsequently.
368WMy right hon. and noble Friend's decision was in accordance with the recommendation of the Director General of Fair Trading.