HC Deb 23 February 1970 vol 796 cc222-3W
74. Mr. Mikardo

asked the Minister of Technology what sums have been, or are required to be, disbursed from public funds to make up for the failure of the Beagle Aircraft Company Limited, over a period of some 18 months, to pay into the appropriate account their own and their employees' contributions to the employees' pension fund.

Mr. Benn

By arrangement with the life assurance offices concerned, Beagle Aircraft Limited deferred payment of the premiums for the pension funds on terms which preserve the members entitlements to benefits. These broke down on the appointment of the receiver. The amount outstanding at the date of appointment of the receiver and manager was approximately £58,000.

87. Mr. Onslow

asked the Minister of Technology if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the dates of the meetings with the company at which his Department considered the monthly financial reports of the Beagle Aircraft Company and surveyed its progress.

Mr. Benn

Monthly financial reports to the Board of the company were copied to my Department for information but those particular documents were not the subject of formal discussion.

88. Mr. Onslow

asked the Minister of Technology if he will place in the Library copies of any financial directives conveyed by his Department to the Board of the Beagle Aircraft Company before, at, or after its incorporation in July, 1968.

Mr. Benn

The Board of Beagle Aircraft Limited was required to manage the company's affairs within the framework of an approved programme of work and within agreed financial limits. No detailed financial directives were issued to the board but certain stipulations were contained in the articles of association of the company.