§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy regarding intervention in the bidding process for Greater Manchester Buses North Ltd.; what action his Department has taken since preferred bidder status was won by the bid from Greater Manchester North's employees; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe responsibility for the actual sale process lies with the Greater Manchester passenger transport authority, the owner of Greater Manchester Buses North Ltd.
The Department is keeping closely in touch with what is happening with regard to the sale of both the GMB North and GMB South bus companies. The Secretary of State's consent to both the sales will eventually be required. As in the sales of all the public transport companies, his role is to give or to withhold consent.
In view of the Secretary of State's quasi-judicial function in these sales it would not be appropriate for me to comment further or make a statement.