§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer the bid by Finalrealm for United Biscuits to the Competition Commission; and if he will make a statement. [117610]
§ Dr. HowellsThe size and European dimension of this proposed bid for United Biscuits means that it has fallen to the consideration of the European competition authorities under the EC Merger Regulation (ECMR). The European Commission assesses such cases on competition grounds and member states have a formal role in the ECMR process.