§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if negotiations between the Government's lawyers and the BEST trustees have begun; what outstanding issues remain; and when he expects a final settlement to be reached. [59157]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonDiscussions with the lawyers for the National Bus Company pension trustees have begun. They were started immediately after the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister on 30 September of the intention to achieve a just out-of-court settlement of the trustees' claim for return of the pension surplus paid over following NBC's privatisation.
High priority is being given to achieving as soon as possible a conclusion to these discussions which is satisfactory for all concerned.