asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when he will introduce his comprehensive proposals for the investigation and control of mergers and take-overs; and, if a delay is expected, if he will reintroduce, as an interim measure, the Restrictive Practices (Amendment) Bill.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mergers and Take-overs.
22.
I had hoped to introduce the Bill for the control of mergers, take-overs and monopolies in the present session but largely because of drafting difficulties this was not possible. I am doing all I can to ensure its introduction at the earliest possible date in the next session.
As I indicated in a previous reply. I decided not to reintroduce the Restrictive Practices (Amendment) Bill, 1972, because I considered that its scope was too narrow and that a more comprehensive measure was called for. That decision still stands.
If the Minister's proposed new legislation is to be long delayed perhaps he might, as an interim measure, consider introducing the Restrictive Practices (Amendment) Bill?
The proposed larger Bill has now been circulated to all Departments and come back to my own Department and it is ready to go to Government. When I say early in the new session it is as advanced as I have indicated and I think we will have it then.
Is it not true that if some other Department or Minister finds objections to the proposals of the Minister for Industry and Commerce it could be held up for a considerable while?
No. It has now come back to me and is ready to go to the Government.