HC Deb 28 October 1987 vol 121 cc297-8W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will refer to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission the current bids for British Home Stores plc; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maude

The proposed acquisition by Benlox Holdings plc for Storehouse plc is being considered by the Director General of Fair Trading. My right hon. and noble Friend will make his decision whether to refer the proposed acquisition to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission in the light of the Director General's advice.

Mr. Maude

The table shows the total amount of grant-in-aid given by the Department to the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux and to the Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux respectively for each of the last three years, with the amounts actually spent on recurrent costs and on grants to individual bureau by each association. An estimate is also given for the current financial year. Corresponding figures for the coming year are not yet available.