HC Deb 24 July 1991 vol 195 c598W
Ms. Mowlam

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will request the Governor of the Bank of England to report to the House in due course on all matters related to the closure of BCCI.

Mr. Maples

The Governor appeared before the Treasury and Civil Service Committee on Tuesday 23 July.

Mr. Meale

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what lists of accredited or approved banking or related institutions, issued by his Department or by the Bank of England, the BCCI was included, before its collapse; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maples

The BCCI was authorised to take deposits under the Banking Act 1987 and therefore included in any list of such institutions, such as the list which the Bank of England is required to publish under section 17 of the Banking Act.

Ms. Abbott

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure the publication of the September 1990 Price Waterhouse report on BCCI commissioned by the College of Regulators; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norman Lamont

No. Any reports commissioned by the College of Regulators would be covered by the provisions of the Banking Act which prevents disclosure except in exceptional circumstances. The audit reports which the Bank of England received on BCCI will, however, be available to the inquiry under Lord Justice Bingham which was announced to the House in my statement of Friday 19 July, at columns715–29, and details of which were given in my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's statement of Monday 22 July, at columns 757–64.