HC Deb 24 March 1983 vol 39 cc491-2W
Mr. Weetch

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether the Registrar of Friendly Societies is studying advances from other building societies to the Bernard Clarke group of companies in connection with the inquiry into the Britannia building society;

(2) whether, when the inquiry into the connection between the Britannia building society and the Bernard Clarke group of companies is completed, he will place a copy in the Library;

(3) whether the Registrar of Friendly Societies will be consulting counsel in relation to the inquiry into the Britannia building society and the Bernard Clarke group of companies;

(4) what is the nature of the inquiry which is being held into the relationship between the Britannia building society and the Bernard Clarke group of companies; and when he expects it to be completed;

(5) on what date the inquiry is expected to commence in respect of the Britannia building society and the Bernard Clarke group of companies;

(6) what specialist staff will be used, particularly in accounting disciplines, in connection with the inquiry into the Britannia building society and the Bernard Clarke group of companies.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

It would be contrary to the public interest to give information about the monitoring by the registry of particular societies except where the Chief Registrar has used his statutory powers to restrict the operations of a society, or following the appointment of inspectors.