§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assurances he received, and from whom, about the true beneficial ownership of the House of Fraser prior to taking his decision not to refer the A1 Fayed bid to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.
§ Mr. FletcherAs stated on 14 March, in considering whether a reference should be made the Secretary of State took into account the statements made and assurances given by the A1 Fayed family about the offer, and the support given to those statements and assurances by Kleinwort Benson Ltd. The A1 Fayed brothers stated throughout that they were acting as principals and independently in this matter. Kleinwort Benson stated publicly at the time of the offer that it was satisfied that the A1 Fayed brothers were the beneficial owners of the Alfayed Investment and Trust (UK) Limited, the parent company of the company which acquired House of Fraser plc.
§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he was aware of the relationship between Mohammed A1 Fayed and the Sultan of Brunei when he took the decision not to refer the A1 Fayed bid for the House of Fraser to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.
§ Mr. FletcherYes.