AstraZeneca (Pfizer Bid) Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate

Kevin Brennan

Main Page: Kevin Brennan (Labour - Cardiff West)
Tuesday 6th May 2014

(10 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text

Urgent Questions are proposed each morning by backbench MPs, and up to two may be selected each day by the Speaker. Chosen Urgent Questions are announced 30 minutes before Parliament sits each day.

Each Urgent Question requires a Government Minister to give a response on the debate topic.

This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record

Vince Cable Portrait Vince Cable
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I have asked about the potential implications of the General Electric takeover for Alstom in the west midlands and—as far as we can establish—it has no negative implications. The GE-Alstom takeover is an interesting example. My French opposite number took strong exception to it, but has accepted that in reality the French Government had no alternative but to go along with it.

Kevin Brennan Portrait Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

In answer to my right hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton South East (Mr McFadden), the Secretary of State said that any assurances given by Pfizer, were this deal to go ahead, would have to be binding. Can he clarify for the House in exactly what way he would be able to make them legally binding?

Vince Cable Portrait Vince Cable
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

My civil servants and I are devoting much thought to precisely that question. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman would not want me to spell out all the gory details.