HC Deb 02 March 2000 vol 345 cc553-4
32. Mr. Andrew Dismore (Hendon)

If he will make a statement on the activities of Infotech 2000 Ltd. in relation to the promotion of Islamic fundamentalist causes overseas. [111563]

The Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs (Dr. Kim Howells)

It is not the Department's policy to comment on the affairs of particular companies. If my hon. Friend has any information that he believes should be brought to the Department's attention, he should do that as soon as possible.

Mr. Dismore

My hon. Friend knows that the activities of Infotech 2000 have caused some concern. It probably exploits company law to raise funds for fundamentalist, extremist and terrorist causes overseas, and to recruit volunteers to fight in those causes. Will the Department examine company law to ascertain whether the abuses in which the company has been involved can be reviewed? I refer specifically to the laws on fundraising for political purposes, especially overseas.

Dr. Howells

A comprehensive review of company law is currently under way. The Department has an efficient and active companies investigation section. I am sure that its staff will have listened to my hon. Friend's words.

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