HC Deb 23 July 1986 vol 102 cc222-3W
Mr. Neil Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment his Department has made of the potential job losses among suppliers to the United Kingdom defence electronic equipment industry which could result from the proposed takeover of the Plessey company by GEC; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what assessment he has made of the impact on the United Kingdom's technological base of the proposed takeover of the Plessey company by GEC;

(3) what assessment he has made of the effects on small businesses of the proposed merger of Plessey and GEC;

(4) what share of the market for private telephone exchanges and transmission equipment is currently held by the Plessey company and GEC.

Mr. Howard

My right hon. Friend is considering the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on this merger. In assessing the impact on the public interest of the proposed merger between GEC and Plessey the Commission has a duty to take into account all matters which it considers to be relevant in the circumstances. My right hon. Friend will make an announcement about the report as soon as is practicable.

Mr. John Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy to make a statement on the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's investigation of the proposed take-over of Plessey plc by General Electric Company plc before 25 July.

Mr. Howard

My right hon. Friend will announce the outcome of the MMC's investigation into the proposed merger of GEC and Plessey, and publish the MMC's report, as soon as practicable.