§ Mr. Frank CookTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the report on inquiries into allegations against the former Teesside Development Corporation will be completed; and if he will make a statement. [125244]
§ Ms ArmstrongI have today placed in the Libraries of the House copies of the report prepared by officials of my Department.
They sought to establish whether there was any firm evidence which would support various allegations that had been made against the former Development Corporation. In the event, insufficient documentary evidence was found that would definitively prove or disprove the allegations.
However, some evidence emerged suggesting that a grant paid by the Corporation to a local company had been diverted. The police were informed and I understand that they are making further investigations.