§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many of the stockbrokers eligible for selling commissions in respect of electricity privatisation in England and Wales he proposes(a) to pay and (b) not to pay, before the end of June, all or most of the fees due.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe relevant payments in respect of the regional electricity companies share offers are under way: I would expect the remainder to be substantially completed during the month. Those in respect of the generating companies share offers should be in train shortly thereafter.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects Touche Ross to complete its audit in relation to the sale of shares in the privatisation of the electricity supply industry of England and Wales.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryI have recently received Touche Ross's audit report in relation to the selling commissions due to brokers in respect of the regional electricity companies share offers, on the basis of which the relevant payments are now being made to brokers; that in relation to the generating companies share offers is expected shortly. As regard the firm's work on fraud audit, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on 10 June at columns408–9.