§ Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieuasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which firms are at present being investigated by his Department under the Companies Acts of 1948 and 1967; when each of these investigations began; and when he expects to receive the final reports.
§ Sir G. HoweInvestigations under Section 165 of the Companies Act 1948 are being made into the following public companies and commenced on the dates indicated:
- Pergamon Press Limited—9th September 1969.
- Corton Beach (Holdings) Ltd.—20th April 1970.
- Blanes Limited—25th June 1971.
- Kwiksave Discount Group Ltd.—2nd March 1973.
- Newhome Veritas Limited—30th March 1973.
- Lonrho Limited—23rd May 1973.
- John Willment Automobiles Ltd.—30th May 1973.
- Ardmore International Film Studios Limited—15th June 1973.
I cannot at this stage indicate when I expect to receive final reports.
In addition, investigations are being carried out under the provisions of Sections 164 and 165 of the Companies Act 1948 into 48 private companies and under Section 32 of the Companies Act 1967 into one public company. I do not norm- 384W ally announce investigations made into private companies because there is usually only a limited interest in the matter.
Inquiries under Section 109 of the Companies Act 1967 are proceeding in the case of 49 companies, of which one is a public company. Section 111 of the Companies Act 1967 restricts the use to which information obtained under Section 109 can be put, and I do not normally disclose such inquiries as I wish to minimise possible harm to the company concerned.