§ Mr. Tim SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total amount of compensation paid to investors by his Department following the investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration of the renewing of the licence under the Prevention of Fraud (Investments) Act 1958 of Langford Scott and Partners; how many investors were compensated; why his Department thought it appropriate to pay compensation; and whether the compensation paid extended to loss of interest and stress as well as loss of the principal sum invested.
§ Mr. ForthMy Department paid a total of £51,415 in compensation to 13 investors in Langford Scott and Partners. The payment wasex gratia and without acceptance of liability. The compensation paid covered the principal sum invested and loss of interest.
282W(2) when the Director General of Fair Trading is going to announce the conclusion of his investigation into cross media ownership.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI understand that the Director General of Fair Trading is still considering competition questions relating to cross media ownership. We are also looking at wider aspects of this issue.