§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he has received advice from the Director General of Fair Trading recommending the proposed takeover of the Yorkshire Rider bus company by Badgerline be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Neil HamiltonThe proposed acquisition by Badgerline of Yorkshire Rider is being considered by the Director General of Fair Trading. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade may, in due course, need to take a decision on whether to refer the acquisition to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, taking account of advice from the Director General.