§ Mr. Tim Smithasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the terms of reference of the inspectors appointed under the Companies Act to investigate the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of shares in House of Fraser during 1984 and 1985.
§ Mr. HowardThe inspectors were appointed under section 432 of the Companies Act 1985 to investigate and report on the affairs of House of Fraser Holdings plc. As I said in my answer of 27 April, at column4, I have referred the inspectors in particular to the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of shares in House of Fraser plc in 1984 and 1985.