LADBROKES/CORAL MERGER

Early day motion 1402, tabled 8 June 1998 by Alex Salmond (Scottish National Party). Signed by 40 members.

That this House notes with satisfaction the referral by Her Majesty's Government to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission of the proposed acquisition by Ladbrokes of the Coral bookmaking chain; believes that the merger would create an unacceptable monopoly for Ladbrokes in the off-course betting industry, amounting to nearly 40 per cent. of betting office turnover, and thereby seriously restrict competition and customer choice; is concerned also that it would confer excessive influence on Ladbrokes in the running of the betting subsidiary services SIS and BAGS; and calls upon the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to recommend to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry that Ladbrokes be required to divest itself of the Coral chain in its entirety in order to protect the public interest.

Signatures by party: Labour 28, Liberal Democrat 5, Conservative 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.