HC Deb 16 July 1998 vol 316 cc285-6W
Mr. Meale

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many representations the Monopolies and Mergers Commission has received about the proposed merger between Ladbroke and Coral; and if she will make a statement. [50149]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

The Monopolies and Mergers Commission has received a large number of representations about the acquisition by Ladbroke of the Coral betting business, and I have asked the Chairman of the MMC to reply to my hon. Friend direct.

Mr. Meale

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will direct the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to consider the adverse effects of the proposed merger between Ladbroke and Coral on national competition in the bookmaking industry. [50153]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

In announcing her decision to refer the acquisition by Ladbroke of the Coral betting business to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (MMC), my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade stated that she considered that the acquisition raised competition concerns in relation to the off-course betting market.

It is for the MMC to consider whether a merger operates, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest. The Fair Trading Act 1973 requires the MMC, in considering whether any particular matter operates, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest, to take into account all matters which appear to them in the particular circumstances to be relevant, although they are required to have regard to certain specified public interest issues.

Mr. Meale

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects to receive the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission inquiry into the proposed merger between Ladbroke and Coral; and if she will make a statement. [50154]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

On 1 July, I announced that I had agreed to a request by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (MMC) for an extension to the time allowed for their inquiry into the acquisition by Ladbrokes of the Coral betting business. The MMC's report, which was originally due to be made by 7 July, is now due to be made within the period ending on 31 July.