HL Deb 09 December 1985 vol 469 cc94-5WA
Lord Graham of Edmonton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are aware of the implications posed by the proposed sale of the Screen Entertainment Division of Thorn-EMI to Cannon Industries for the future of:

  1. (i) Thorn-EMI (Elstree) Studios, and
  2. (ii) the film record of the Thorn-EMI Library; and

Whether they will examine the implications of the takeover of Thorn-EMI Screen Entertainment Division by Cannon Industries for the creation of a monopoly in the cinema industry, and of the possible effects on employment.

Lord Lucas of Chilworth

If Cannon Industries make an offer for Thorn EMI's Screen Entertainment Division it will be considered by the Director-General of Fair Trading under the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973 to determine whether it qualifies for reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. If it does, he will advise the Secretary of State on whether such a reference should be made.