§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what account he took of GEC's involvement in the proposed European consortium seeking to purchase a stake in Westland plc in deciding whether to refer GEC's bid for Plessey to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrittanNone. The decision to refer this proposed merger to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission was made strictly in accordance with my statutory responsibilities, and on the recommendation of the Director-General of Fair Trading.