§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Departments police fraud squad has examined the placing of shipping contracts in the period 1980 to 1990; and if he will make a statement. [14409]
§ Mr. FreemanThe Ministry of Defence police fraud squad investigated between 1988 and 1990 allegations relating to the placement of Ministry of Defence shipping contracts. The investigation was inconclusive, however; no criminal charges were brought, and the case is now closed.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Departments police fraud squad is currently taking in investigating claims of fraud during the chartering of shipping in the Gulf War; and what actions are being taken.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Ministry of Defence police fraud squad is investigating a number of matters arising from the chartering of shipping during the Gulf war. As my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces216W said in his written answers on 9 March, Official Report, column 349, some of these remain the subject of civil or criminal action.