§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, since 19 July 2004, government Ministers or officials have held meetings with potentially interested bidders, other than the Racing Trust, on the subject of acquiring the Tote. [HL4518]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Lord McIntosh of Haringey)Since 19 July 2004, the Government have not sought any meetings with potentially interested bidders, other than the Racing Trust, on the subject of acquiring the Tote. There have been some inquiries about the sale plans and, in each case, we have reiterated that government policy is to sell the Tote to the Racing Trust and we are not prepared to consider bids from alternative purchasers unless or until it becomes clear that a sale to the Racing Trust cannot be completed on terms which are acceptable to the parties.
§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are willing to consider proposals to acquire the Tote from commercially interested parties other than the Racing Trust. [HL4519]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyGovernment policy has been, and remains, to sell the Tote to the Racing Trust. Only if the Government cannot agree sale terms and conditions with the trust would the Government consider a sale to a third party.
§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the proposed discounted sale of the Tote to the Racing Trust has received approval in principle from the European Commission with regard to state aid rules; and what conditions were attached to any such approval. [HL4543]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyWe have notified the European Commission of our plans for the sale of the Tote to the Racing Trust, at fair value, but have not yet received the necessary state aid clearance.