Mid Kent Holdings

HC Deb 22 June 1998 vol 314 c379W

Mr. Green

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects to receive undertakings from General Utilities plc about its material influence over Mid Kent Holdings plc. [46552]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

On 15 May I announced my decision to accept undertakings offered by General Utilities PLC and SAUR Water Services plc following the adverse report by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (MMC) on their proposed bid for Mid Kent Holdings plc, published in 1997.

Under the terms of the undertakings both companies have agreed not to be party, or give effect, to any joint arrangements in respect of Mid Kent which would give rise to a compulsory reference to the MMC unless the consent of the Secretary of State has been obtained.