Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 April 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 April 2000. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Thursday, 13 April 2000 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will place in the Library file bundles 120, 121, 140 and 141 in the Astra case. - Inc ref to 346 c611W, 22 March 2000.

Answer: Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library file bundles 120, 121, 140 and 141 in the Astra case. [118393] Dr. Howells: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 22 March 2000, Official Report, column 611W. It is well established that material obtained through the use of compulsory powers is subject to duties of confidentiality. Disclosure can be made only in certain circumstances and for certain specified purposes. While I am unable to make such material available to the Library of the House, the inspectors' concluded views were set out in their report published in June 1993.

Secondary information