To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action she will take to ensure that the proposed merger between British Airways and American Airlines will not prove to have anti-competitive consequences. [4632]

[holding answer 26 June 1997]: The UK competition authorities are currently considering the proposed alliance between British Airways and American Airlines, in consultation with the European Commission. It is not the practice of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to comment publicly on the timing or substance of competition cases in which she will be responsible for making a decision.