Written question asked by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 June 1998. It was answered by Nigel Griffiths (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 June 1998 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what powers (a) her Department (b) the Monopolies and Mergers Commission and (c) the Office of Fair Trading would have to intervene in any proposed take-over of one or more of the three companies holding independent national radio licences.

Answer: Mr. Nicholas Winterton: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what powers (a) her Department (b) the Monopolies and Mergers Commission and (c) the Office of Fair Trading would have to intervene in any proposed take-over of one or more of the three companies holding independent national radio licences; and if she will make a statement. [46274] Mr. Nigel Griffiths: It would, in the first instance, 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. In the light of the DGFT's advice, my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade, would decide whether or not to refer the merger to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission for investigation and report. She has said that her policy will be to refer mergers primarily on competition grounds. Each case is considered on its individual merits.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 314 c157W; 46274
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Competition Commercial broadcasting Department of Trade and Industry Mergers Office of Fair Trading Radio Monopolies and Mergers Commission Takeovers