§ Mrs. BrowningTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what the cost was of the investigation into Hollis Industries plc; [106024]
209W(2) what were the grades of the officials who investigated Hollis Industries plc; [106028]
(3) when he received the result of the inquiry into Hollis Industries plc; [106022]
(4) how many hours his Department's officials spent investigating Hollis Industries plc; [106026]
(5) pursuant to his answer of 21 December 1999, Official Report, column 465W, concerning Hollis Industries plc, if he will place in the Library the documents setting out the normal procedures adopted by his Department in respect of internal DTI inquiries; [106097]
(6) what steps were taken by his predecessor to examine the options available under the Companies Act 1985 to determine the appropriate method of inquiry into Hollis Industries plc; [106027]
(7) if his Department's inquiry into Hollis Industries plc included examination of the disposal of Lock and PSS to TransTec; [106025]
(8) if, upon taking office, he reviewed the terms of reference of the investigation into the affairs of Hollis Industries plc. [106023]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 20 January 2000]: In line with normal procedures on such matters neither my predecessor nor myself took part in deciding the terms of reference of the investigation or the procedures or options under the Companies Act in relations to Hollis Industries inquiries.
The procedures adopted in relation to the investigation into Hollis Industries were conducted in accordance with "the Investigation handbook" and "Investigations—how they work", copies of which are in the Library of the House.
Records are not maintained in a way which enables figures to be given for the costs incurred. Staff at various grades were involved.
I was informed on 9 December 1999 that the investigation was complete.
In relation to the disposal of Lock and PSS to TransTec it is the long-established practice under successive Governments not to disclose details of individual investigations. However, when I appointed independent inspectors under Section 432(2) of the Companies Act 1985 on 20 January I asked them to investigate and report on the affairs of TransTec plc. It will be for the independent inspector to determine the detailed approach of the investigation.
If they think it necessary for the purpose of their inspection they have the power to investigate other companies in the TransTec group and events from earlier in the company's history, including its acquisition of the assets of Lock and PSS.