§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect of the DaimlerChrysler Aerospace and Aerospatiale Matra merger on British procurement; and if he will make a statement. [96475]
§ Mr. HoonThe proposed merger will be subject to regulatory approval by the European Commission and, as such, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the issue at present. However, the effects of any restructuring by companies in which the UK has an interest are considered very carefully by the Department. Our views are given to the regulatory authorities in confidence at the appropriate time.