§ 18. Mr. John Mark Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about the conduct of the liquidator of W. G. Allen (Tipton) Ltd.
§ Mr. HowardI understand that my hon. Friend is referring to W. G. Allen & Sons (Tipton) plc. which is in receivership, not in liquidation. My hon. Friend has drawn my attention in the last few days to a number of points. I am considering them to see whether exercise of my Department's investigative powers is warranted.
§ Mr. TaylorIn thanking my hon. and learned Friend for that reply and noting that he is to look into the matter, may I ask him to pay due attention to shareholder concern about inaccuracies in letters from the stock exchange, and the fact that a statement of affairs is still awaited? This company failed within three months of having a clean auditor's report. There seems to be some conflict of interest. Will my hon. and learned Friend bear those things in mind?
§ Mr. HowardI shall take all those matters into account.