HC Deb 16 February 1989 vol 147 cc300-1W
Mr. Gould

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he intends to publish the report of the investigation under section 442 of the Companies Act into dealings in Consolidated Gold Fields shares which was commenced in December 1986.

Mr. Maude

As my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary said on 24 January it is his intenion to publish this report as soon as possible. However, it would not be appropriate to do so until the issues raised by the report have been full considered.

Mr. Gould

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish a table showing for all investigations under the Companies Acts since 1979 the date when the investigation was ordered, the date when the report was given to the Secretary of State, the date when published and the average time between the receipt of such reports and their publication.

Mr. Maude

Such a table could be provided only at disproportionate time and cost to my Department. Details of the appointment of inspectors and publication of their reports are contained in the annual report on companies which is presented to Parliament pursuant to section 729 of the Companies Act 1985 and which is published through Her Majesty's Stationery Office. A copy of each published report is also placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Gould

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if the report of the inquiry under section 442 of the Companies Act to investigate dealings in the shares of Consolidated Golds Fields ordered in December 1986 was released to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission during its recent consideration of the Minorco bid for Consolidated Golds Fields.

Mr. Maude

Yes.