§ Lord Spensasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether any part of the terms of reference of the inspectors appointed by the Department of Trade and Industry into the affairs of Guinness plc requires the inspectors to examine sales transactions (as well as purchase transactions) of Guinness shares, and if so whether this has been accomplished.
§ Lord StrathclydeThe inspectors were appointed in November 1986
(a) to investigate the affairs of Guinness plc ("the company") and report thereon in such manner as the Secretary of State may direct; and
(b) to investigate and report on the membership of company and otherwise with respect to the company for the purpose of determining who are or have been financially interested in the success or failure (real or apparent) of the company or able to control or materially influence its policy and to do so with particular reference to whether any such persons are or were parties to any agreement to which Section 204 of the Act applies or to any agreement or arrangement relating to the exercise of any rights conferred by the holding of shares in the company.
There were no other terms to their appointment.