§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, since June 1979, any of his Department's Ministers or senior civil servants have had any business connections with accountancy firms or the accountancy bodies.
§ Mr. RedwoodOne senior official in my Department is the chairman of the disciplinary committee of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants. The official holds this position in a private capacity and with the approval of the Department, as there is no conflict of interest. I am aware of no other business connections between the accountancy profession and Ministers and senior officials of my Department. I do not know the interests of all DTI Ministers prior to their appointments.