§ 37. Mr. Nelsonasked the Minister for Trade whether, when considering reports from the Monopolies and Mergers Commission concerning mergers, he will lay particular emphasis on the maintenance of effective competition in deciding whether a prospective merger acts against the public interest as defined under section 84 (1) of the Fair Trading Act 1973.
§ Dr. VaughanYes. Effective competition is certainly a major factor in a number of cases and I am sure my right hon. and noble Friend will continue to regard it as such. But where it has been necessary for the Commission to take account of other factors these also have to be considered.