Written question asked by Nigel Griffiths (Labour) on Thursday, 9 March 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 March 2000. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 March 2000 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will publish the advice of the Director General of the Office of Fair Trading on the proposed acquisition by NTL of Cable and Wireless when he publishes the report of the Competition Commission on this case.

Answer: Mr. Nigel Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the advice of the Director General of the Office of Fair Trading on the proposed acquisition by NTL of Cable and Wireless when he publishes the report of the Competition Commission on this case. [114576] Dr. Howells: In line with current practice, I do not intend to publish the advice of the Director General of Fair Trading on the proposed acquisition by NTL Incorporated of the cable business of Cable and Wireless Communications plc. However the Office of Fair Trading are looking at ways of publishing, in the future, the Director General's advice on whether to refer key mergers to the Competition Commission.

Secondary information