§ Mr. Tim Smithasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about his decision to appoint inspectors under the Companies Act to investigate the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of shares in House of Fraser during 1984 and 1985.
§ Mr. HowardNo.
It is not the practice of Secretaries of State to disclose the reasons for the appointment of inspectors. I can say, however, that I have asked the inspectors to look in particular at the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of shares in House of Fraser plc in 1984 and 1985.