HC Deb 20 March 1972 vol 833 cc227-8W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 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 give the reasons why he will not now appoint inspectors to conduct investigations under Section 172(3) of the Companies Act as requested by shareholders in this company.

Mr. Ridley

Because the information sought by shareholders relating to the ownership or control of the company was obtained for them by the Department.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 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 give the reasons why he will not 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

Because the application was considered two years ago and then refused. It is open for the applicants to re-apply within the provisions of Section 164 of the Companies Act, 1948, if they have new evidence justifying such a course.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why he will not 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

Because I do not think that the hon. Member's questions, which are not Parliamentary Questions, are important enough to justify this.