HC Deb 22 February 1989 vol 147 cc626-7W
Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in respect of which takeover bids his Department received three deputations of hon. Members in 1988.

Mr. Atkins

Ministers in this Department met approximately 10 deputations of hon. Members in 1988 about takeover bids which included Nestle's bid for Rowntree, Goodman Fielder Wattie's bid for Ranks Hovis McDougall, and Elders IXL's bid for Scottish & Newcastle Breweries.

Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if, pursuant to his answer of 15 February, he will give further details of the consideration given to early-day motions on takeover bids;

(2) what weight he gives to the number of hon. Members who have signed an early-day motion on a takeover bid.

Mr. Atkins

Due consideration is of course given to all early-day motions. However, the weight attributed to that consideration may vary.