Baroness WARD of NORTH TYNESIDEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when the Fay Report on the Crown Agents is expected and whether they will give an assurance that it will be available in time for a debate in this House before the Summer Recess.
§ Baroness LLEWELYN-DAVIES of HASTOEMy Lords, my right honourable friend the Minister for Overseas Development understands from the Committee that their report is unlikely to be ready until the end of 1976 and, I am afraid, therefore, will not he available for debate before the Summer Recess.
Baroness WARD of NORTH TYNESIDEMy Lords, while thanking the noble Baroness for that Answer, may I ask whether she is aware that we have been asking about the Crown Agents and have been told that the Fay Report was on its way? Would the noble Barnoness agree that it is in the interests of the community and of the Crown Agents themselves that action should be taken as soon as possible?
§ Baroness LLEWELYN-DAVIES of HASTOEYes, my Lords. I think the noble Baroness understands that the Fay Committee are conducting their investigation on the lines of investigations under the Companies Act, and inevitably this can take one, two or even three years. It is very important that it should be thoroughly investigated, and we shall report as soon as we can.
§ Lord DAVIES of LEEKMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that, while some of us are concerned about the Fay Report, those of us who have seen something of the work of the Crown Agents over the years would, before any denigrating remarks are passed, wish to extend some appreciation of the work which has been done overseas in various parts of the world?
§ Baroness LLEWELYN-DAVIES of HASTOEYes, indeed, my Lords. In spite of the recent troubles, the House will be delighted to know that the confidence of the countries who have invested in the services of the Crown Agents has in no way diminished.