§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give his estimate of the market share of the leading non-fietton brick manufacturers both prior to and following the possible acquisition of the assets of the London Brick company by the Hanson Trust; and whether the closer association of these two groups is to be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe latest published market share figures are in table 2.5 of last year's Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the proposed merger between London Brick plc and Ibstock Johnsen plc (Cmnd. 9015). These showed London Brick to have only a very small market share in non-fletton bricks. The future effect on that market share of London Brick's announced plans for expansion in the non-fletton sector remains to be seen.
My right hon. Friend, in accordance with advice of the Director General of Fair Trading, has decided not to refer the proposed merger between Hanson Trust plc and London Brick plc to the commission.
§ Mr. Lyellasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he and the Office of Fair Trading have received as to the need to refer the bid by Hanson Trust plc for the London Brick company plc to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherA number of hon. Members and organisations have written to me and to the Director General of Fair Trading calling for this proposed merger to be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.