CONDUCT OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE MEMBER FOR WOKINGHAM (No. 4)

That this House regrets the further disgraceful slur placed on the reputation of the Right honourable Member for Wokingham in EDM 278; notes that there was no competition problem in BA selling its engine overhaul business and never any suggestion that BA should be investigated; notes that the Director General of Fair Trading examined whether GE should be investigated for its proposed purchase of BA Engine Overhaul Ltd, as opposed to some other buyer and that the Director General concluded there was no need for an MMC referral of the GE purchase; notes that ministers are not permitted to interfere in the Director General's independent consideration of such matters; notes that the Right honourable Member for Wokingham did not interfere with the Director General's consideration; and reminds the House that had he tried to do so the interference could have been exposed at the time.