HC Deb 02 June 1992 vol 208 c500W
Mr. Luff

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to review the power of the Director General of Fair Trading to make a monopoly reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission without his approval.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

There are no plans for such a review. When the Director General of Fair Trading makes a monopoly reference the Secretary of State may, within 14 days of publication of the reference, direct the MMC not to proceed with the reference. To date this power of veto has never been exercised.