HC Deb 29 January 1990 vol 166 cc5-6W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, further to his reply of 13 December 1989,Official Report, column 702, relating to the appointment of an inspector, what was (a) the name of the inspector and his firm, (b) the company he investigated, (c) the investigations being simultaneously undertaken and (d) the date on which his Department became aware that one of its inspectors was being investigated.

Mr. Redwood

As indicated in my reply of 13 December, inspectors are appointed to investigate the affairs or membership of companies, not individuals.

The answers to the hon. Member's questions are:

  1. (a) Mr. P. L. Ainger FCA of Messrs. Price Waterhouse.
  2. (b) Gilgate Holdings Limited.
  3. Raybourne Group Limited.
  4. Calomefern Limited.
  5. Desadean Properties Limited.
  6. (c) Those at (b) and Ramor Investments Limited.
  7. (d) I cannot say.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his policy on appointing inspectors from accountancy firms found wanting by his Department.

Mr. Redwood

It is usual to appoint inspectors from firms of accountants who have not been the subject of recent criticism.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether any individual from Thornton Baker, now Grant Thornton, has been appointed a Department of Trade and Industry inspector since September 1981.

Mr. Redwood

Three individuals from Grant Thornton have been appointed inspectors since September 1981.