HC Deb 28 July 1989 vol 157 cc1081-2W
Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer to the Director General of Fair Trading the proposed takeover of Waterstone and Co. Ltd. by W. H. Smith.

Mr. Redwood

[holding answer 27 July 1989]: This proposal is currently being considered by the Director General of Fair Trading to ascertain whether it qualifies for reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission under the Fair Trading Act 1973. If so, the director general will advise my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on whether the merger should be referred to the MMC: and the Secretary of State will then decide whether to make a reference.

The main consideration in deciding whether to refer a merger to the MMC is the potential effect on competition in the United Kingdom.

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