HC Deb 21 January 1987 vol 108 cc583-4W
Mr. Tim Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress of the inquiry which he announced on 18 December which followed allegations that public servants may have misused information; and whether any prosecutions are contemplated.

Mr. Channon

The inspectors have informed me that they have uncovered no evidence implicating any public official other than one junior official at the Office of Fair Trading in any illegal activity. Their inquiries are continuing, but the matter is complex and they do not expect to be able to report definitively for some weeks. The question of prosecution is for the Director of Public Prosecutions. The director is in contact with the inspectors and is keeping the matter under review in the light of the progress of their inquiries.