§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science on what date his Department asked for a copy of the independent inquiry report into Beaumont college; on what date that report was received; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherThe Department was first informed of the allegations and the proposed independent inquiry by Beaumont college on 22 September 1988 and wrote to the college on 30 September 1988 asking to be informed as soon as possible of the inquiry's recommendations. The inquiry committee's investigation did not begin until 9 November 1988. It reported late February 1989. During this period my officials wrote to and telephoned the college on several occasions requesting early sight of the final report.
On 22 February 1989 the Department received the summary of the inquiry's findings. My officials continued to ask for the full report. The college's solicitors sent a copy of the full report to the Department on II April 1989, except for the appendices. After a further request the appendices were sent on 24 April 1989, except for 77W appendix 2, the list of witnesses. The solicitors have informed the Department that the report has been modified in that the names of the existing members of staff whose confidence was guaranteed, have been removed. Appendix 2 has been withheld for the same reason.