HC Deb 09 February 1994 vol 237 cc315-6W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he received the annual report and accounts for British Nuclear Fuels for 1992–93; and if he will make a statement on the delay in completing these accounts.

Mr. Eggar

The annual report and accounts for British Nuclear Fuels plc for 1992–93 were published on 2 February 1994 and, in accordance with section 14 of the Atomic Energy Authority Act 1971, laid before both Houses of Parliament. On the question of timing, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 16 December 1993,Official Report, column 756.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will set out the basis of his decision of 27 January not to refer the joint venture proposal involving British Nuclear Fuels plc, Ultra-Centrifuge Nederland NV, Uranit GMBH and Urenco Ltd. to the Monopolies Commission under the Fair Trading Act 1973.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

In accordance with advice from the Director General of Fair Trading, I decided not to refer the proposed joint venture between British Nuclear Fuels plc, Ultra-Centrifuge Nederland NV, Uranit GMBH and Urenco Ltd. to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (MMC) because it did not in my view raise competition or other relevant concerns warranting scrutiny by the MMC.

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