HC Deb 09 December 1982 vol 33 cc566-7W
Mr. Woolmer

asked the Minister for Trade if he will seek powers to enable him to suspend from office in appropriate circumstances the chairmen or chairwomen of the electricity consultative councils.

Dr. Vaughan

The existing powers have been satisfactory to date but I am willing to examine them to see if they need to be altered.

Mr. Woolmer

asked the Minister for Trade if he will now consider dismissing the chairman of the Yorkshire electricity consultative council.

Dr. Vaughan

Inquiries are still taking place and I hope to have these completed very shortly.

Mr Woolmer

asked the Minister for Trade if he has referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions any matters arising from his Department's investigations into the expenses claims of members of the Yorkshire electricity consultative council.

Dr. Vaughan

Yes. The allegations are being investigated by my Department and certain matters were put to the Director of Public Prosecutions on 26 November.