§ Mr. Sedgemoreasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has asked for an inspector's report into the affairs of Johnson Matthey Bank under section 432 of the Companies Act 1985; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardNo. A section 432 investigation at this stage would add little to the extensive enquiries that have already taken place and the police enquiries now in train.
A fraud investigation group has been established. I am ready to help it and the police at any time through the use of section 447 powers to examine the company's records if this would be helpful.