§ Lord Gallacherasked Her Majesty's Govenment:
Whether, if Sealink Ferries is disposed of to a firm currently operating ferry services of a similar nature, a monopoly situation will result as defined in the Fair Trading Act 1973 and the Competition Act 1979.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Belstead)Any proposed merger arising from the sale of Sealink will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973 by the Office of Fair Trading who will advise the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on its implications for competition and the public interest.