§ Mr. DarlingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the meetings he has held with Elders IXL or its representatives in connection with its proposed takeover of Scottish and Newcastle plc; and if he will list by name the individuals who attended those meetings.
§ Mr. LangMy right hon. and learned Friend met representatives of Elders IXL on 18 October in connection 447W with their bid for Scottish and Newcastle plc. The meeting was at the request of Elders IXL. As well as my right hon. and learned Friend and I, the following were also present:
- Mr. John Elliott, Chairman, Elders IXL
- Mr. Mike Foster, Chief Executive of Courage Holdings plc
- Sir Alex Fletcher
- Mr. Russell Hillhouse, Permanent Under-Secretary of State, Scottish Office
- Mr. Hugh Morison, Under-Secretary, Industry Department of Scotland
- Mr. Alan Fraser, Assistant Secretary, Industry Department for Scotland
- Mr. David Crawley, Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State.
§ Mr. DarlingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what approaches he has received from individuals or companies seeking to arrange meetings in connection with the proposed takeover of Scottish and Newcastle plc by Elders IXL; and if he will list their names.
§ Mr. LangMy right hon. and learned Friend has to date received two approaches from individuals seeking a meeting to discuss the proposed takeover of Scottish and Newcastle plc. One was made by Sir Alex Fletcher on behalf of Elders IXL and the other was made by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Garscadden (Mr. Dewar) and the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Central (Mr. Darling).