Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 17 November 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 November 1997. It was answered by Baroness Beckett (Labour) on Monday, 24 November 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if she will investigate the report contained in The Observer newspaper of 16th November relating to the proposed merger of Stena and P&O with a view to identifying the source close to the authorities cited in the report.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will investigate the report contained in The Observer newspaper of 16 November relating to the proposed merger of Stena and P&O with a view to identifying the source close to the authorities cited in the report. [16967] Mrs. Beckett: I have seen the press report to which the hon. Member refers. The report was speculative, and inaccurate in a number of respects. It contained nothing which suggests that it was derived from a UK official source. Unless there is other evidence to suggest that it was derived from a UK official source, I do not intend to investigate the report further.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16967; 301 c419W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Disclosure of information Ferries Newspaper press Mergers P&O Sealink