§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what reassurances he has sought from the Office of Fair Trading to ensure that the position of the independent cinema owners is protected in the sale of MGM cinemas by Credit Lyonnais; [24430]
(2) what steps he has taken to ensure that competition in high street cinemas is not reduced as a result of a takeover of MGM cinemas by the Rank Organisation; [24432]
(3) what guarantees he has sought from (a) Credit Lyonnais and (b) the various bidders for the MGM cinema chain being sold by Credit Lyonnais that they will endeavour where possible to keep open the maximum number of high street and multiple cinemas; [24431]
(4) what steps he has taken to ensure that competition in multiplex cinemas is not reduced as a result of a takeover of MGM cinemas by Time Warner. [24433]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansIf the sale of MGM cinemas results in a qualifying merger under the Fair Trading Act 1973 it will be for the Director General of Fair Trading to advise my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade whether to refer the merger to the Monopolies 29W and Mergers Commission. In giving his advice, the DGFT will take account of all relevant factors including the impact on competition in the cinema industry and the views of third parties. If appropriate, the DGFT will also advise about possible undertakings which might be given to remedy any adverse effects resulting from the merger.