§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 19 October 1998,Official Report, column 1037, if he will stand aside in his regulatory role in respect of the takeover by BSkyB of Manchester United; and if he will make a statement. [56006]
§ Mr. Mandelson[holding answer 22 October 1998]: As in all cases I have carefully considered whether there is any reason why I should stand aside from a decision on whether the proposed acquisition by BSkyB of Manchester United should be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, and have discussed it with officials. I have decided that there is no reason for me to stand aside.
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