Written question asked by Tony Benn (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 March 1994. It was answered by Lord Heseltine (Conservative) on Thursday, 31 March 1994 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: What inquiries his Department conducted into the financial position of Newspaper Publishing plc, owner of The Independent and The Independent on Sunday; what representations were received during the consultation phase, and from whom, which led him to conclude that the newspapers were not economic as going concerns; and if he will place in the Library copies of the documentation considered; & similarly representations which led him to conclude that, if the papers were to continue, the case was one of urgency; & if he will list and place in the Library the documentation considered in relation to inquiries made and representations received by him and his Dept which led him to conclude that the public interest did not require him to stipulate conditions, including in relation to editorial independence, on his consent to the MGN-led consortium's bid for a controlling interest in Newspaper Publishing plc. - Includes list & fact that Representations and information were given in confidence and I shall not therefore be placing copies of the documentation considered in the Library. (Holding answers 30 March 1994).

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 240 c1011-2W;240 c1006-7W
Session: 1993-94
Subjects: Ownership Newspaper press Takeovers The Independent Mirror Group Newspapers Newspaper Publishing