§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if he will have regard to the potential impact on airline competition in the European internal market when considering the conditions under which the British Airways/British Caledonian merger might be allowed to proceed; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether he has any plans to meet the chairmen of the British independent airlines before making his decision on the proposed British Airways/British Caledonian merger; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if, in his consideration of the British Airways/British Caledonian merger, he will examine the alternative offer put forward by Air Europe for the British Caledonian short haul operations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe proposed acquisition of British Caledonian by British Airways is currently being investigated by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. My right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State has power to take action to prevent a merger or to impose conditions only if the commission finds that it might be 853W expected to operate against the public interest. Until the commission's report is published, I cannot comment on the outcome of the investigation.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received from the British independent airlines concerning the proposed British Airways/British Caledonian merger.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI and my right hon. and noble Friend have received a number of representations from British independent airlines expressing a range of views. This proposed merger is currently being investigated by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. Since the reference was made, those wishing to make representations have been directed to the commission.