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Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses Bill

I do understand such concerns, but is not the following point equally valid? Let us say that Deutsche Börse took over the LSE or another exchange. It would find the AIM incompatible with its interests and would seek to reduce its importance and not invest in it, but because it was subject to European, rather than American, rules, it would not be protected in any way as a result of this legislation. Perhaps I have misunderstood the distinction between British and Community rules and American rules, but it seems to me that the example that the Minister has described would apply just as seriously if a takeover took place within the European Union, rather than by an exchange outside it. I have repeated the point on several occasions and I need not go over it again. I see the Bill’s underlying purpose and I am inclined to support it. I am sceptical about whether it is necessary, and I hope that that will become a little clearer in future exchanges on the Bill.