HC Deb 19 January 1999 vol 323 cc439-40W
Mr. Wilkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the purposes of the proposed Competition Bill will include the creation and encouragement of competition in the United Kingdom in the defence industries. [66330]

Dr. Howells

[holding answer 18 January 1999]: The Competition Act will establish a more effective regime to deter and tackle anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant market position widely across the economy, including within the defence sector.

Mr. Wilkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the compatibility of EU policy on defence industrial company mergers with his approach to competition matters in the United Kingdom. [66331]

Dr. Howells

[holding answer 18 January 1999]: We share the European Commission's view of the importance of taking into account competition policy issues in considering restructuring in the defence industry. Any merger proposals will be considered on their merits by the relevant competition authorities.