HC Deb 10 December 1991 vol 200 cc372-3W
Mr. Gordon Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will appoint inspectors to examine the Maxwell Communication Corporation and related companies.

Mr. Lilley

My officials are in close consultation with the Serious Fraud Office over the progress of the SFO's inquiries.

I will not hesitate to use available powers to investigate any matter which may emerge from consultations as requiring separate inquiry, so long as that would not impede the work of the SFO.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) whether he will conduct an inquiry into the Mirror group pension fund;

(2) if he will appoint inspectors to inquire into the affairs of the Maxwell Communication Corporation and the Maxwell private companies.

Mr. Lilley

[holding answer 9 December 1991]: My officials are in close consultation with the Serious Fraud Office over the progress of the SFO's inquiries.

I will not hesitate to use available powers to investigate any matter which may emerge from consultations as requiring separate inquiry, so long as that would not impede the work of the SFO.

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