§ Ms. MowlamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) on what date his Department sold copies of his inspector's report on Blue Arrow; and how much money was made as a result of these sales;
(2) how much it cost his Department to recover copies of the inspector's report on Blue Arrow after they had been sold to members of the public;
(3) for what reason his Department (a) sold certain copies of the DTI inspector's report on Blue Arrow and (b) decided not to publish the report.
§ Mr. LilleyMy Department supplied copies of the report on 7 and 8 November to a number of people who might be affected by it, against written undertakings of confidentiality from their solicitors. This was done in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 1985
on request and on payment of the prescribed fee".The cost of recovering the reports from recipients was negligible.I have discretion to furnish copies of reports to persons who might be affected by it in order to give them an opportunity to make representations to me about publication of the report. In the light of representations made to me, I have decided to delay publication.
§ Ms. MowlamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration was given to the effect on the continuing trial involving the financial advisers of Blue Arrow before the decision was taken to release details of an investigation on one aspect of Blue Arrow's affairs.
§ Mr. LilleyFull consideration, including the taking of legal advice. Details have been given in confidence only to persons whose interests might be affected by the report.