HC Deb 23 October 1972 vol 843 cc179-80W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when he was first asked to take action regarding Third Mile Investment Trust Limited; what action he took and with what results; and whether, at all material times, this company sent through its returns and accounts as laid down under the Companies Act, within the statutory declared period;

(2) when he was first asked to take action regarding Ropergate Services Limited; what action he took and with what results; and whether, at all material times, this company sent through its returns as laid down under the Companies Act;

(3) when he was first asked to take action regarding Construction Promotions

Company Time and nature of first request for action Action taken, and result Whether at all material times the company filed its returns and accounts within the statutory period
Third Mile Investment Company Limited. Request for an investigation under Section 164 or Section 165(b) of Companies Act 1948 made in April, 1965. Request refused because the facts were sufficiently known to shareholders. No.
Ropergate Services Limited. The affairs of these companies are within the scope of the investigation by the Metropolitan Police which was referred to in a statement by the Attorney General on 18th July. The Metropolitan Police are to report to the Director of Public Prosecutions, and I am not prepared to make any statement while their enquiries are in progress. No.
Construction Promotions Limited.
Open System Building Company Limited.
International, Technical and Construction Services Limited.
Berkeley (Overseas) Limited. Request for action on defaults under Companies Act 1948 made in July, 1970. Departmental enquiries were made. The company subsequently went into voluntary liquidation. No.

"No" in the last column means that the company did not deliver its annual return or accounts within the period allowed on at least one occasion.

Limited; what action he took and with what results; and whether, at all material times, the company sent through its returns as laid down under the Companies Act;

(4) when he was first asked to take action regarding the Open System Building Company Limited; what action he took and with what results; and whether, at all material times, this company sent through its returns as laid down under the Companies Act;

(5) when he was first requested to have investigations made into the International Technical and Construction Services Limited; what action he took and with what results; and whether, at all material times, proper returns were made by this company as laid down under the Companies Act;

(6) on what date he was first approached by Mr. E. M. Hunt asking for action under the Companies Act regarding Berkeley (Overseas) Limited; what action he took; whether he answered all of the correspondence; and whether, in the light of the correspondence sent to him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North, he will make a statement on this matter.

Mr. Noble

Following is the information: