§ Mr. SimsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how many instances of alleged irregularities in the administration of company pension funds have been drawn to the attention of his Department in the last 12 months; what investigations in respect of these allegations are in progress; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Neil HamiltonThere have been four instances in the past 12 months where complaints have included such allegations, but I cannot provide any further detail for reasons of confidentiality. I should make it clear, however, that my Department's powers under the Companies Act are confined to the investigation of companies themselves—they do not extend to examining the affairs of any pension funds administered by trustees on behalf of employees, which is a matter for other regulatory and investigatory bodies with whom my Department liaises where appropriate.