§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will state the earliest practical date when he expects to receive the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the British Sugar Corporation; and if he will make a statement prior to taking any decision.
§ Mr. HowardMy right hon. Friend has asked the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to report on the proposed acquisitions of S & W Berisford by Tate and Lyle and Ferruzzi by 19 November. However, the Commission is free to report earlier if it so wishes; it may also request one extension of up to three months.
My right hon. Friend has discretion to take action following a merger report only if the Commission finds that the proposed merger might be expected to operate against the public interest. In this event my right hon. Friend would aim to minimise uncertainty in the market by announcing what action was to be taken at the same time as the report was published and laid before this House.