§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many staff of his Department are currently involved in the investigation in relation to Guinness plc; at what average daily cost; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardThe investigation into Guinness plc is being carried out by inspectors in private practice who provide their own staff, and recover the costs from my Department. As part of their duties, staff in my Department are engaged on work associated with this and other investigations. It is not possible to identify such staff costs in relation to any particular investigation.