Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the potential job losses arising from the proposed merger of ASDA and Sainsbury's in the (a) stores, (b) head offices and (c) distribution centres of both supermarkets; and what assessment he has made of the potential effect of that merger on the level of growth in the (i) North West and (ii) UK economy.

Sainsbury’s and Asda have stated that they have not planned any store closures and or instore job losses as a result of the proposed merger. They have also said that they intend to continue operating both brands.

Mergers are independent of Ministerial control. Under the Enterprise Act 2002, which governs mergers in the UK, my rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State has a role only in cases where a merger gives rise to concerns over security, media plurality and financial stability. Should the proposed merger raise competition concerns, the Competition and Markets Authority, independent of Government has the power to investigate. We currently await their views on the merger.