HC Deb 20 January 1999 vol 323 c509W
Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy to disclose all the papers relating to investigations undertaken by his Department into the business affairs of serving Government Ministers. [66450]

Mr. Byers

My Department has no direct role in the investigation of the business affairs of ministers or any other individuals. Its role is confined to the conduct of limited companies. The extent to which papers may be disclosed depends on the nature of the case itself and other considerations such as the applicable law and commercial confidentiality. Subject to these constraints I would wish to be as open as possible on these matters.