HC Deb 13 March 1972 vol 833 cc13-4W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asker the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) whether, in view of the statements submitted to him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North on 8th February, 1972, on the subject of Hartley Baird Limited, he will now appoint inspectors to conduct investigations under Section 172(3) of the Companies Act as requested by shareholders in this company;

(2) whether, in the light of the report into the Vehicle and General Insurance issue and the new evidence submitted to him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North and others, he will reconsider the request made by shareholders for an inquiry into the affairs of Hartley Baird Limited under Section 164 of the Companies Act, 1948,

Mr. Ridley

No.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) why, by 6th March, 1972, the hon. Member for West Ham, North had not received a reply to his communication dated 8th February, 1972, concerning matters alleging neglect against his Department's handling of affairs connected with Hartley Baird Limited; and when a reply may be expected;

(2) why it took him until 7th March to send a communication to the hon. Member for West Ham, North, on the subject of his responsibility for the Companies Acts, in reply to his letter of 8th February, in view of the fact that this communication only stated he was refusing then to reply to the queries in the Member's letter.

Mr. Ridley

I could not quickly decide how best to deal with the hon. Member's letter because of its length, complexity and extravagantly offensive tone. An interim reply was sent on 7th March declining to answer the letter itself, but indicating that answers would be provided when possible to the 32 questions enclosed with it.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish in the Official Report the detailed answers to the various questions raised with him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North in his letter of 8th February, 1972, regarding alleged malpractices by Hartley Baird Limited and other companies.

Mr. Ridley

No.