§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he expects the MMC report on the proposed BSkyB takeover of Manchester United to be published before the conclusion of the Restrictive Practices Court inquiry into the BSkyB/BBC/Premier League television arrangements. [59935]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Monopolies and Mergers Commission (MMC) are due to deliver their report on BSkyB's proposed bid for Manchester United to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by 12 March 1999. The report will be published as soon as possible thereafter.
The proceedings issued by the Director General of Fair Trading in the Restrictive practices Court concerning the Premier League's collective selling of clubs' broadcasting rights, and the exclusive nature of restrictions in agreements with broadcasters on televising of such rights, will commence on 11 January 1999.
My right hon. Friend has no role in the proceedings or in the decision which will be taken by the Court. I cannot comment on whether the MMC's report will be published before the conclusion of the Court's inquiry.