§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer to the Director General of Fair Trading the termination of the Isle of Man steam packet service from the island to Liverpool.
§ Mr. FletcherI understand the Director General of Fair Trading is currently considering a proposed merger involving the Isle of Man Steam Company and Sealink which would affect ferry services to the Isle of Man. If the Director General decides that this is a qualifying merger under the Fair Trading Act 1973 he will advise the Secretary of State as to whether a reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission should be made.