asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the action, if any, he intends taking to ensure that jobs are not lost in the H. Williams supermarkets as a result of the appointment of a receiver to the company; the measures, if any, he intends taking to assist firms which are in difficulties as a result of the H. Williams collapse; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Deputy will be aware that since he put down the question the receiver has made an agreement for the sale of the stores in question which he notified to me under the Mergers, Take-overs and Monopolies (Control) Act, 1978. I have decided not to make an order under the Mergers, Take-overs and Monopolies (Control) Act, 1978 in relation to the proposal.

In arriving at my decision, I had particular regard to the position of the former employees of H. Williams, and those employed in shopping centres in which H. Williams was the anchor tenant and whose jobs would be jeopardised by delay in having the stores reopened. I received written undertakings that at least 18 stores, including four Quinnsworth, will reopen over the next six months, giving employment to 700 staff, with a further 75 jobs later in 1988.

I also had regard to the position of suppliers and consumers who would wish to see as many as possible of the former H. Williams stores reopen quickly as outlets for grocery goods. It seemed to me that this offered the best prospects for the suppliers concerned.