§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs to what extent he has authorised the consultants appointed by him to examine Short Brothers and Harland to disclose to the Chairman of the firm the results of their investigations into the affairs of the company; if he has received, or expects to receive, an interim report from the consultants; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe appointment of the consultants was made by my right hon. Friend in agreement with Short Brothers and Harland and their report will be made available in full to the company at the same time as it is submitted to him. Representatives of the Depart-218W ment of Economic Affairs and Short Brothers and Harland have held periodic meetings with the consultants to discuss working papers on the progress of their assignment, but an interim report has not been requested of them.