HC Deb 06 December 1989 vol 163 cc284-5W
10. Mr. Litherland

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether there has been any change in the role of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission in recent years.

Mr. Ridley

The principal role of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission has not changed, but its role has been extended over recent years by certain provisions in the Telecommunications Act, the Airports Act, the Gas Act, the Water Act and the Electricity Act.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the current referrals before the Monopolies and Mergers Commission with expected dates for receipt and publication of each report.

Type of reference Subject Matter Referral Due (in date order) Extended to
Monopoly Wholesale Petrol Supply 9 November 1988 8 November 1989 20 December 1989
Merger Atlas Copco/Desoutter Brothers 20 September 1989 19 December 1989
Merger Colne Valley/Lee Valley/Rickmansworth Water 7 September 1989 12 January 1990
Merger Michelin/National Tyre Services 31 October 1989 30 January 1990
Monopoly Electrical Contracting at London exhibition halls 10 May 1989 9 February 1990
Merger BUPA/HCA 21 November 1989 28 February 1990
Monopoly Cinema Advertising 28 June 1989 27 March 1990
Monopoly Plasterboard 28 November 1989 31 July 1990

The publication schedule for each report is decided when a report is submitted to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. The date of publication remains confidential for reasons of market sensitivity. In all cases we aim to publish a report as soon after it has been submitted as is practicable.