HC Deb 12 June 1973 vol 857 cc1199-200
Q3. Mr Ashley

asked the Prime Minister how many official deputations he has received since he took office.

The Prime Minister

I have met many deputations and others have presented petitions at 10 Downing Street to which I have sent replies. A precise figure is not readily available.

Mr. Ashley

Will the Prime Minister consider receiving a deputation from Members seeking a Government guarantee that the Lonrho scandal is not being repeated in other boardrooms up and down the country? Is he taking energetic steps to discover how many other firms are indulging in these unpleasant and unacceptable practices, or does he propose to skate over the tip of the iceberg which has just been revealed?

The Prime Minister

There is no need for such a deputation. My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Minister for Trade and Consumer Affairs immediately set up an inquiry into this situation under their powers and, as such, I do not wish further to comment upon it. It is now up to the inquiry to make its investigation, which can be a full one, of all aspects affecting this company. Moreover, the Government have already announced their intention of reforming company law in the next Session of Parliament and will naturally take into account recommendations which have been made in past inquiries of this kind.

Mr. Joel Barnett

Which aspect of Lonrho did the right hon. Gentleman consider unpleasant and unacceptable?

The Prime Minister

I have just said that the matter is now subject to inquiry by the Board of Trade. I do not propose to comment further.

Mr. Harold Wilson

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation about unoccupied premises in London? Is he aware that, before the local government elections, the former Secretary of State for the Environment was breathing fire and slaughter about Centre Point and the action he would be taking? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present Minister yesterday decided to take no action at all? What will the right hon. Gentleman do about it?

The Prime Minister

The right hon. Gentleman is not correct in saying that my right hon. and learned Friend decided to take no action. Action of a financial kind will be taken in this case.