§ Lord Carterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What arrangements have been made with the purchasers of ADAS to ensure its continuing objectivity, independence and freedom from commercial interference; and
Whether in the sale of ADAS any restrictions have been placed on a future sale of all or parts of ADAS by the initial purchasers.
Lord LucasIt is for the new owners of the business to form their own commercial judgment of the importance their customers attach to objectivity, independence and freedom from commercial interference. MAFF attaches a high value to these matters. The purchasers have indicated that independence and impartiality will remain central features of their strategy for the ADAS business. There are restrictions in the sale contract on the purchaser's ability to sell on all or a substantial part of the business in the first two years. In particular, the sale contract contains restrictions relating to potential transfer of shares in the new company, and the MAFF/Welsh Office revenue guarantee may be terminated if there is a change of control of all or a substantial part of the business. Certain other restrictions are commercially confidential.