Written question asked by Donald Gorrie (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 22 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 June 1998. It was answered by Nigel Griffiths (Labour) on Monday, 29 June 1998 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the President of the Board of Trade, when a decision will be announced on the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's ruling on First Choice having to sell Midland Bluebird bus company.

Answer: Mr. Gorrie: To ask the President of the Board of Trade when a decision will be announced on the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's ruling on First Choice having to sell Midland Bluebird bus company. [47549] Mr. Nigel Griffiths: The Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report on the acquisition by FirstBus Plc. of SB Holdings Ltd. was published on 21 January 1997. In line with the MMC's recommendations and the Director General of Fair Trading's advice, the then Minister for Corporate and Consumer Affairs, the hon. Member for Solihull (Mr. Taylor), announced that FirstBus should be required to divest its subsidiary Midland Bluebird plus part of the Glasgow operations of SB Holdings. FirstBus subsequently requested a review of the decision on the grounds that there had been important new developments in the Glasgow bus market since the MMC's report was published. I asked the DGFT for his advice, which he has given. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade will announce her decision on FirstBus's request as quickly as is practicable.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 315 c53-4W; 47549
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Companies Bus services Mergers FirstBus SB Holdings Midland Bluebird