HC Deb 09 May 1989 vol 152 cc417-8W
Mr. Adley

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what further assessment he has made in the light of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report of the implications for defence procurement of the GEC/Siemens bid for Plessey; and if he will make a statement.

75. Mr. Colvin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement on the defence implications of the GEC/Siemens bid for Plessey.

Mr. Sainsbury

The Monopolies and Mergers Commission concluded in its report that the bid for GEC and Siemens for Plessey could proceed provided certain undertakings were secured. The MOD's view of the implications of the bid were clearly stated in the MMC report. My right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry placed responsibility on the MOD to secure two of these undertakings. Discussions to this end are now in hand.