§ Mr. David HuntTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about steps to reclaim moneys from the companies involved in the payment of commissions to Gordon Foxley relating to defence contracts. [33235]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotA satisfactory settlement has been concluded with one of the companies concerned, Raufoss AS of Norway, under which the company will pay an agreed sum in redress to my Department, including interest and a contribution to costs, for payments made contrary to contractual conditions.
A statement of contrition by the company, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House, forms part of the agreement with the Ministry of Defence. We have decided that in the light of this agreement the company will become eligible to be considered for Ministry of Defence orders, although normal commercial relations will not be resumed for some months during which period we shall monitor the operation of the agreement.
Discussions are taking place with the other companies involved in the Foxley case, against whom proceedings are still in train.