§ Mr. ParryTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will now refer the proposed merger between North West Water and Norweb to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission; and if he will make a statement. [38181]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansThe Director General of Fair Trading is currently investigating the proposed merger and will advise my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in due course. A decision on whether or not it should be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission will be taken once that advice is received.