§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when inspectors were appointed to investigate the affairs of the business dealings of the late Robert Maxwell; what has been the cost of the investigation to date; when he expects the report to be published; and if he will make a statement on the timescale for the report's publication. [82905]
§ Dr. HowellsThere is no inspection into "the business dealings" of the late Robert Maxwell although inspectors were appointed on 8 June 1992 under Companies Act powers 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. The cost of the inspection to date has been £7,467,805. The inspectors have not yet reported to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. A decision on publication will be taken when the report has been received and fully considered.