§ Mr. WattsTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will request the Director General of Fair Trading to consider the increasing concentration of off-course bookmaking in the hands of four major companies and whether a reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission would be appropriate.
§ Mr. MaudeThe Director General of Fair Trading announced on 7 January that, following detailed inquiries by his officials into the off-course bookmaking industry, he had decided not to refer the four major bookmakers—Coral, Ladbroke, Mecca and William Hill—to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. The Office of Fair Trading is continuing to monitor developments. If my hon. Friend has any new information to offer about concentration in the off-course bookmaking industry he should bring it to the attention of the Director General of Fair Trading.