Written question asked by Ian Gibson (Labour) on Monday, 13 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 17 November 2000. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Friday, 17 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the delay in the merger of SmithKline Beecham and Glaxo. - (Holding answer 16 November 2000).

Answer: Dr. Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the reasons for the delay in the merger of SmithKline Beecham and Glaxo. [138553] Dr. Howells: [holding answer 16 November 2000]: The European Commission approved the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham on 8 May. The US Federal Trade Commission are considering the competition implications of the market in smoking cessation products relating to Glaxo Wellcome's prescription drug Zyban and SmithKline Beecham's over-the-counter products Nicorette and Nicoderm. This is a matter for the US authorities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 356 c811W; 138553
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Competition Drugs Industry EU action Prescription drugs Mergers European Commission SmithKline Beecham Glaxo Wellcome US Federal Trade Commission
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk