§ 1. Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what bids have now been received for the business of Thomas Cook; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Minister for Transnort Industries (Mr. John Peyton)A number of concerns have expressed interest, but formal arrangements for inviting bids have not yet been worked out.
§ Mr. DeakinsWill the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the Government will put a reserve price on this business and that in the event of the highest bid not coming above that reserve price they will not sell the business?
§ Mr. PeytonI have very few apprehensions on this subject. I am confident that it will not be necessary to put a reserve price on it because the bids, I believe, will be very high.
§ Mr. FernyhoughWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that if he intends to proceed with this disastrous policy he will make sure that whatever firm takes over gives no less favourable conditions to the existing employees than they now enjoy?
§ Mr. PeytonYes, Sir; the rights of the employees will be safeguarded. I gladly give that assurance. I could not disagree more strongly with the right hon. Gentleman's comment that I am pursuing a disastrous policy.