§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what considerations underlay his decision not to refer to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission the proposed acquisition by R.J.B. Mining of certain assets of British Coal; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansMy right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade's decision not to refer the proposed acquisition of certain assets of British Coal, namely the Harworth methane power generating plant and the minerals and aggregates, other than coal, extracted from opencast sites of Central North, South and North East Regional Coal companies, was in accordance with the Director General of Fair Trading's advice, which is confidential. My right hon. Friend took into account all relevant factors and concluded that the case raised no concerns justifying a reference.
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