21^st February, 2001.

Dr Vincent Cable, M.P.
Senior Spokesman for Trade and Industry
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA

In a letter to you on the 5th November last year, I asked the Liberal Democrats what action you could take to stop anti-competitive practices in the computer industry and "stop new monopolies forming". Your reply stated that "Ensuring fair competition practices is a stance which Liberal Democrats support strongly". The letter also said that "Microsoft is no longer a monopoly but is split up into separate companies", this is not correct. While the USA court ruled this should be done, the case is being appealed. Microsoft will take the case to the Supreme Court if necessary. Even if the ruling is upheld, splitting Microsoft will not end it's operating system monopoly and therefore is not effective action. As a non-Windows user I am finding the harmful effect of this monopoly growing. Is there anything you can do to help?