HC Deb 23 October 1972 vol 843 cc181-2W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date his Department, in conjunction with the police, commenced investigations into IIG (London) Services and International Investors Group (Sales) Limited, two companies associated with the Real Estate Fund of America Limited and operating in Great Britain; who was investigated and on what dates; whether all directors and executives of these companies were invited and gave evidence; and when the report is likely to be published.

Mr. Noble

On 27th October, 1970, officers of the Department of Trade and Industry were authorised under Section 109 of the Companies Act, 1967, to examine the books and papers of the two companies to which the hon. Member refers in his Question. As a result of that examination, further inquiries by the police have taken place with the assistance of my Department. I am precluded by Section 111 of the Act from disclosing or publishing information obtained under Section 109 except for the purposes of prosecution. The hon. Member has recently addressed questions about police inquiries to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General.