§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to be in a position to take a decision on the takeover bid of Allied Lyons by Elders XL Ltd; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardMy right hon. and learned Friend the former Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced the reference of this merger proposal to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on 6 December 1985. The commission is due to submit its report on 5 June 1986.
As I am sure my hon. Friend appreciates, it would not be appropriate for Ministers to make a statement while the commission's investigation is in progress.