HC Deb 20 June 1991 vol 193 c295W
Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he intends to refer the acquisition of Redwood Publishing Ltd. by BBC Enterprise to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Redwood

I understand that this acquisition took place in 1988. Under the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973 it is not open to me to make a merger reference if more than six months have elapsed since the acquisition took place unless previously concealed facts have emerged. I understand that the merger did not meet the criteria for reference under the Fair Trading Act. However, if the hon. Member has any new information about the acquisition he should bring it to the attention of the Director General of Fair Trading, who advises me on merger cases, so that his office can establish whether there is a merger situation qualifying for investigation under the Act.