§ Mr. Colvinasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to report on the British Airways bid for British Caledonian; whether any time will be given for representations to be made by interested parties on the report before he makes his decision on its recommendations; and what criteria he intends to use in deciding whether to vary the basic recommendations.
§ Mr. MaudeThe Monopolies and Mergers Commission is clue to report by 5 November. There is scope for my right hon. and noble Friend to take action only if the commission concludes that a merger would operate against the public interest. It would not be appropriate to speculate on what conclusions the commission may reach or what, if any, recommendations it may make. Any representations on the merger should be addressed to the commission.