§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why, in view of the evidence available to him of malpractices and illegalities in contravention of the Companies Act by directors of Hawkings Brick Company, he has refused since June, 1970, to initiate legal proceedings.
§ Mr. RidleyI assume the hon. Member is referring to Hawkinge Brick Company Limited which was ordered to be wound up in 1960 and was dissolved in 1965. As the hon. Member knows, allegations about the conduct of that Company's affairs have been closely investigated; I have no evidence that legal proceedings would be justified.