§ 24. Mr. Laneasked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the progress in his investigation of alleged offences by Herel Investments Ltd.; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gwyneth DunwoodyThe inquiries by the Board of Trade under Section 109 or the Companies Act, 1967, in relation to Herel Investments Ltd. have taken longer than expected and are not yet complete. Proceedings have had to be taken against a former officer of the company for failure to produce its books and papers. In the meantime, the Board of Trade and the police are pursuing their inquiries regarding the company.
§ Mr. LaneWill the hon. Lady pursue this matter really vigorously, although realise that it is complicated, because my constituents and others who appear to have been defrauded are anxious not only for redress themselves but for restraint upon any further business acivitities by the head of Herel Investments, Dr. Fifield?
§ Mrs. DunwoodyI am aware of the difficulties facing some of the hon. Member's constituents and I assure him that we are taking active steps to assist them. He will have realised from my Answer that proceedings have already been started.