HC Deb 19 January 1998 vol 304 cc391-2W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will arrange for the Office of Fair Trading to place in the Library its evidence to the European Commission and the results of its survey of finance directors on the proposed merger of KPMG and Ernst and Young; and if she will make a statement. [23682]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

Member States have a formal role in EC competition investigations. During an EC investigation, publication by the UK of views submitted to the Commission, or of the results of any surveys or work undertaken by the UK authorities, would compromise the effectiveness and integrity of that investigation. Such information could also be market sensitive.