§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 14 November,Official Report, column 316, if his Department's practice, on the consultation of interested parties, has been followed in the case of the proposed British Airways/American Airlines alliance. [7452]
Mr. John M. TaylorYes, the Department's practice has been followed in this case. Since receipt of the Director General of Fair Trading's advice there have been no discussions nor consultations between the Department and British Airways or American Airlines on the substance of the decision to be taken by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.
§ Mr. SmithTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations he has had with the Office of Fair Trading on further consultations with British Airways, American Airlines and third parties since his receipt of the Director General of Fair Trading's report. [7451]
Mr. TaylorIt is not the practice of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to comment publicly on a competition case between receiving advice from the Director General of Fair Trading and the announcement of my right hon. Friend's decision.