BMARC Ltd.

HC Deb 03 July 1995 vol 263 cc68-9W

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will place in the Library all documents held by his Department in relation to the trading activities of BMARC Ltd. and if he will make a statement. [30232]

Mr. Ian Taylor

[holding answer 26 June 1995]: No. The hon. Member has asked for a very large number of documents, which could be put together only at disproportionate cost.

There are particular issues concerning the release of documents obtained by inspectors under compulsory powers. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Wallsend (Mr. Byers) by my hon. Friend the Minister for Corporate and Consumer Affairs on 27 June 1995, Official Report, columns 570–71.

Nevertheless. I recognise the great public interest in the trading activities of BMARC and I welcome the decision of the Trade and Industry Select Committee to inquire into the affairs of BMARC. My Department will be co-operating fully with the Committee's inquiry.