§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he has taken to date against the third parties implicated in the Barlow Clowes collapse.
§ Mr. NelsonI have been asked to reply.
Responsibility for Barlow Clowes matters rests with the Treasury under the Transfer of Functions (Financial Services) Order 1992.
304WThe Government continue vigorously to pursue any claims capable of reducing the cost to the taxpayer of the ex gratia payments scheme. Because of a number of outstanding actions, I cannot give details of recoveries made, as doing so might influence their outcome. However, as I said on 16 June, Official Report, columns 613–14, the Government have secured an order for damages against Mr. and Mrs. Clowes in the sum of £31. million.