HC Deb 27 October 1997 vol 299 cc690-1W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects to make a decision on the Monopolies and Mergers Commission inquiry into(a) the proposed merger between P and O and Stena and (b) vertical integration in the travel industry. [12988]

Mr. Battle

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade gave her on 2 July,Official Report, column 181. The Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the proposed merger between P and O and Stena will be published as soon as is practicable. I cannot comment on the likely publication date of the MMC report or its contents, which remain confidential until publication. Consultation is taking place with the European Commission.

The MMC is required to report to the President of the Board of Trade on the travel trade by 6 November. The report will be published as soon as is practicable.