§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what is his policy on mergers and takeovers of or among regional electricity companies; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what discussions he has had with the 12 regional electricity companies' chairmen regarding mergers and takeovers within the electricity distribution industry;
(3) whether he expects to review the 15 per cent. maximum on individual shareholdings in the 12 regional electricity companies in the next five years; and if he will make a statement.
98W
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe Government's policy with regard to the special share they hold in each of the 12 regional electricity companies is set out in section 1, chapter 1 of the prospectus for the 12 regional electricity companies dated 21 November 1990. Any merger or takeover would in addition be subject to the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973.