HC Deb 29 June 1998 vol 315 cc53-4W
Mr. Gorrie

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when a decision will be announced on the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's ruling on First Choice having to sell Midland Bluebird bus company. [47549]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

The Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report on the acquisition by FirstBus Plc. of SB Holdings Ltd. was published on 21 January 1997. In line with the MMC's recommendations and the Director General of Fair Trading's advice, the then Minister for Corporate and Consumer Affairs, the hon. Member for Solihull (Mr. Taylor), announced that FirstBus should be required to divest its subsidiary Midland Bluebird plus part of the Glasgow operations of SB Holdings.

FirstBus subsequently requested a review of the decision on the grounds that there had been important new developments in the Glasgow bus market since the MMC's report was published. I asked the DGFT for his advice, which he has given.

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade will announce her decision on FirstBus's request as quickly as is practicable.