Sun Alliance-Royal Insurance Merger

HC Deb 21 May 1996 vol 278 cc141-2W

Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade in what ways he proposes to ensure that the public interest, with particular reference to the consequences for public finances of the effects on employment, are taken into account during consideration of the proposed Sun Alliance-Royal Insurance merger. [29730]

Mr. John M. Taylor

This merger does not fall to be considered under the public interest test in the merger provisions of the Fair Trading Act, as it comes within the jurisdiction of the EC merger regulation. Under this legislation, the EC Commission is responsible for appraising the merger's impact on competition, taking into account the views of member states.