To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date the reference was made to the Office of Fair Trading concerning the sale of British Airways engine maintenance plant at Nantgarw, South Wales to General Electric of America; and on what date he expects to receive the report from the Director General of Fair Trading.

The Office of Fair Trading was first informed of the proposed acquisition by General Electric of the British Airways engine overhaul business on 3 September. I understand that the office's inquiries are nearing completion. We therefore expect to receive the advice of the Director General of Fair Trading in the near future.