Disclosures of interest

Project 'Kangaroo'

Members' interests

Peter Freeman is Chairman of the CC and will chair the Group that is conducting this inquiry. Whilst at the law firm of Simmons & Simmons, Mr Freeman was the relationship partner for the Independent Television Commission (ITC) until he left the firm in July 2003. The ITC was the commercial television regulator that ceased to exist on 18 December 2003 when its duties were assumed by OFCOM, the Office of Communications.

Mr Freeman does not believe that the matter disclosed above in relation to him will affect his ability to act impartially and independently as the Chairman of the Group. The CC is satisfied that Mr Freeman’s interest will not affect his ability to act independently or impartially in discharging the CC’s functions in this inquiry.

Peter Jones, a member of the Group conducting this inquiry and his wife are trustees of a trust (for the benefit of his two children) which has an investment of less than £5,000 in the ordinary shares of BT Group.

Mr Jones does not believe that the matters disclosed above in relation to him will affect his ability to act impartially and independently as a member of the group. The CC is satisfied that Mr Jones’ shareholdings will not affect his ability to act independently or impartially in discharging the CC’s functions in this inquiry.

Staff interests

Rachel Merelie and her husband each have shareholdings in BT Group, for whom Mrs Merelie’s husband worked from 1981 to 2002. The CC is satisfied that none of these matters will prejudice the ability of the CC to discharge its functions in an independent and impartial manner.