Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 23 March 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 March 2000. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 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 invite the Office of Fair Trading to investigate Microsoft's proposed purchase of a stake in Telewest Communications. - (Holding answer 28 March 2000).

Answer: Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will invite the Office of Fair Trading to investigate Microsoft's proposed purchase of a stake in Telewest Communications. [116658] Dr. Howells: [holding answer 28 March 2000]: The size and European dimension of this case mean that it has fallen to the consideration of the EC competition authorities under the EC Merger Regulation (ECMR). I understand that the European Commission announced on 22 March that it was opening a full investigation into this case and it now has four months within which to come to a final decision. Member states have a formal role in this process.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 347 c194W; 116658
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Competition Competition law EU law Mergers Takeovers Microsoft Telewest Communications
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk