HC Deb 03 February 2000 vol 343 c666W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer the proposed merger of United Newspapers and Carlton to the Competition Commission. [108182]

Dr. Howells

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will decide whether or not to refer this case to the Competition Commission in the light of advice he has received from the Director General of Fair Trading. He will announce his decision as soon as is practicable.