§ Mr. Nicholas Brownasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what factors will affect his decision on whether to refer the Hanson Trust's takeover bid for Imperial Tobacco to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.
§ Mr. HowardThe Secretary of State will take his decision in accordance with his statutory responsibilities, and in the light of the Director General of Fair Trading's advice. He will therefore take into account all the relevant circumstances.