§ Mr. Meacherasked the Minister for Trade on what grounds the Secretary of State for Trade has referred the takeover bid by the Isle of Man registered company, 134W Abele, for Illingworth Morris to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission following the Director General of Fair Trading's decision not so to refer the bid.
§ Dr. VaughanMy right hon. and noble Friend considered that the merger raised issues of public interest that justified investigation by the commission. In a press notice issued when the reference was made, he said that he had taken into account all relevant factors, including the fact that Illingworth Morris is a major employer and an internationally important wool textile manufacturer.