asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission the various links between the big four bookmakers, Satellite Information Services and their position in the racing and betting industries.

The Director General of Fair Trading is currently considering whether he should make a complex monopoly reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission under the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973 in relation to the supply of off-course bookmaking services. Complaints from a number of bodies connected with horse and greyhound racing (including the National Greyhound Racing Club Ltd. and smaller bookmakers) about the possible effects of the Satellite Information Services operation are being taken into account as one of the matters on which the Director General's decision will be based.