§ Sir David Priceasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will use his statutory powers to prevent increased control of music publishers by record, film and television groups, in the light of the effects of such control on the contractual and royalty terms of composers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudeAny such increases of control may constitute mergers which qualify under the terms of the Fair Trading Act 1973 for reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission for further investigation. My right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State announced on 7 October that the proposed merger between enterprises carried on by or under the control of Chappell and Co. Inc. and enterprises carried on by or under the control of Warner Communications Inc. had been referred to the MMC. In assessing whether a merger may operate against the public interest, the MMC has a statutory duty to take into account all matters which it considers in the circumstances to be relevant.