HC Deb 17 October 1972 vol 843 c45W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when his Department was first requested to take action on the Hide Group of Companies; on how many occasions; when action was eventually taken; and with what results.

Mr. Noble

Three applications were received in April, 1955, but were not proceeded with. Another application was received in May, 1956, and Inspectors were appointed on 4th April, 1957, under Section 164 of the Companies Act, 1948. Criminal proceedings were instituted against three individuals and they were convicted in 1959.