HC Deb 30 January 1996 vol 270 cc655-6W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Office of Fair Trading has solicited the views of members of the travelling public in Burnley and Pendle concerning the proposed purchase by Stagecoach of Pendle council's 50 per cent. stake in Burnley and Pendle Transport. [12209]

Mr. John M. Taylor

No. In the event that such a merger were announced, the Director General of Fair Trading would take account of all relevant factors, including the views of third parties.

Mr. Prentice

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Director General of Fair Trading consulted him before providing confidential guidance to the parties involved in the proposed sale of Pendle borough council's stake in Burnley and Pendle Transport. [12210]

Mr. Taylor

It is not the practice of the Government or the Director General of Fair Trading to disclose whether confidential guidance has been sought or given in specific cases. In general, before giving confidential guidance, the director general will consult my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.