§ Mr. RogersTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to return papers removed from Astra plc to the DTI inspectors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenThe Ministry of Defence police took possession of a number of papers from Astra plc in connection with an inquiry into possible corruption. In the event the MDP were unable to pursue this matter to a conclusion. They subseqently wrote to Cork Gully, the company receivers, who are now the legal owners of these papers, listing what is held and seeking advice on its disposal. DTI inspectors never had possession of these papers although they were allowed access to them by and in the presence of the MDP in pursuance of their own separate investigations.