§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the President of the Board of Trade when inspectors were appointed to investigate the 1991 flotation of the Mirror Group; and what their terms of reference were. [49510]
§ Mr. Nigel Griffiths[holding answer 8 July 1998]: The inspectors were appointed on 8 June 1992 to investigate and report on the affairs and membership of Mirror Group Newspapers plc. They were asked to look, in particular, at the offers for sale of the company's shares in early 1991.
§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her answer of 2 July 1998,Official Report, column 240, when she expects to receive the report from the inspectors investigating the 1991 flotation of the Mirror Group; and what steps she has taken to expedite the report. [49512]
§ Mr. Nigel Griffiths[holding answer 8 July 1998]: It is not possible to forecast the timing of the completion of an investigation of this kind. Inspectors have a distinct statutory position and are independent of my Department. The inspectors are aware of the need to complete their inquiry and report as quickly as possible, consistent with the necessity for them to act fairly.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects to publish the inspectors' report into the circumstances of the Mirror Group flotation. [50338]
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsThe inspectors have not yet reported to the Secretary of State. A decision on publication will be taken when the report has been received and fully considered.