§ 4. Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for Employment what further discussions he has had with Lord 1279 Thomson of Fleet about the future of Times Newspapers Ltd.
§ The Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. James Prior)I have had no discussions with Lord Thomson, but I am willing to meet all interested parties at any time.
§ Mr. PriceWill the right hon. Gentleman re-read the pledges given 13 years ago by Lord Thomson's father to the Monopolies Commission about putting the Thomson wealth behind The Times in the future? Now that there are rumours that Times Newspapers Limited may be sold to Rupert Murdoch or to somebody else, what action will the Minister take, using his statutory powers, if such a proposal is made?
§ Mr. PriorThat is a hypothetical question. I believe that it would be better to allow negotiations to proceed, in the hope that they will come to a satisfactory conclusion.