Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 29 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 April 2002. It was answered by Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour) on Thursday, 18 April 2002 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when the Government received advice from legal counsel regarding the eligibility of Arthur Andersen for Government contracts; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Government received advice from legal counsel regarding the eligibility of Arthur Andersen for Government contracts; and if he will make a statement. [32606] Dr. John Reid: I have been asked to reply. In February 1997, prior to the general election, the Treasury Solicitor was asked to review the on-going action against Arthur Andersen. Following the report of this review, the Government received advice from counsel on 9 June 1997 on the question of whether, in the context of the action to determine if the case should be heard in New York, it would be beneficial to relax the embargo against Arthur Andersen for Government contracts. The embargo was relaxed on 24 June 1997, and was fully lifted when the final settlement was agreed on 12 November 1997.

Secondary information