A proposed takeover of The Herald newspaper by the owners of The Scotsman would be referred to the monopolies watchdog, the UK Government has said.

Media entrepreneurs the Barclay brothers are understood to be bidding for the Glasgow-based Herald newspaper, which is being sold with two of its sister papers.

But there is political concern that it would give the pair control of Scotland's two biggest broadsheet newspapers.

Leader of the Commons, Robin Cook, said such a takeover would be investigated by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.

Robin Cook: "Long-standing rivalry"

Media company SMG announced in September that it plans to sell its newspaper publishing business.

The company owns three Glasgow-based titles - The Herald, the Sunday Herald and the Evening Times.

SMG said it expected a deal would be completed by the middle of next year.

'Diverse media'

The Herald has daily circulation figures of 91,400.

Mr Cook's statement came during business questions in the Commons, when Labour MP for Maryhill, Ann McKechin, queried him on the Barclay interest and competition policy.

She asked for time to discuss the future of the media in Scotland, and how competition policy could broaden the range of newspaper media available.

Mr Cook, who used to write a sports column in The Herald, said it was a matter of considerable interest and would be a talking point at a dinner organised by the newspaper next week.

'Competition checks'

He said: "One of the objectives that we should try and achieve in the media is to make sure there is competition and an alternative point of view.

"Anybody who is aware of the long-standing rivalry between Edinburgh and Glasgow would also be aware of the importance of them having distinct daily newspapers to cover their populations.

Helen Liddell: Received letter from MP

"There do exist well known, well worn systems by which we can ensure that any merger in the media industry is subject to adequate competition checks."

Liberal Democrat Scottish spokesman John Thurso has written to Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell voicing his concerns about a possible takeover.

In his letter he outlined the need for "a diverse and flourishing media as one of the cornerstones of the democratic process".

He wrote: "While I am sure it is the intention of the current owners of The Scotsman to give editorial freedom, history demonstrates that where newspapers come together in one stable, their editor's stance inevitably, over time, coalesces."