§ Baroness Whartonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will consider referring to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission and the Office of Fair Trading the proposed entry of News International companies into the United Kingdom radio industries through the purchase of one of only three independent national radio licence-holders; and, if not, why not. [HL2264]
§ The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Clinton-Davis)In the first instance it would be for the Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT) to consider any actual proposal which appeared to give rise to a qualifying merger situation under the Fair Trading Act 1973. My right honourable friend the President of the Board of Trade would decide in the light of the DGFT's advice whether or not to refer the merger to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission for investigation and report. She has said that her policy is to refer mergers primarily on competition grounds. Each case is considered on its individual merits.