asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why it has taken nearly five months to investigate the allegations of bribing of civil servants within his Department concerning affinity group charter flights; what outside investigators were called in to aid his inquiries; whether they have yet reported; and if he will make a statement.

This matter was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions in September this year and he arranged for inquiries to be made by the Metropolitan Police.I am informed that the inquiries have now been completed and that the Police Report is in the hands of the Director who has advised that the persons who are said to have made allegations of bribery have denied doing so and that there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that such allegations are true.