§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about a purchase by Schroders Salomon Smith Barney of a share of Community Hospitals. [136017]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 1 November 2000]On 8 August my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced that he had asked the Competition Commission to consider the question of whether the acquisition of 26.8 per cent. of the ordinary share capital of Community Hospitals Group by enterprises under the control of Salomon International LLC and BUPA constituted a merger and, if so, whether 585W or not the merger would operate against the public interest. The Commission have called for evidence and are due to deliver their report to the Department by 8 November.
During the Commission's investigation into a merger, it is my practice to forward any representations which I receive to the Commission so that they can take the views expressed into consideration in formulating their report.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department is taking to ascertain that the purchase by Schroders Salomon Smith Barney of a share of Community Hospitals complies with the intent and terms of undertakings given by BUPA at the time of its acquisition of Goldsborough plc. [136018]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 1 November 2000]The acquisition of 26.8 per cent. of the ordinary share capital of Community Hospitals Group by Schroders Salomon Smith Barney is being considered by the Competition Commission alongside BUPA's proposals to acquire all of Community Hospitals Group. It is for the Competition Commission to consider whether or not either merger operates against the public interest. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will consider what action, if any, should be taken in the light of the Commission's report.