asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether, in view of the report of Judge Fay into matters concerning the Crown Agents, she will take action to withdraw the pensions of those who were in any way responsible for breach or neglect of duty.

On matters concerning pensions the provisions of the Social Security Act, 1973, apply, as I explained on 5th December.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development in which overseas cities the Crown Agents currently have procurement offices.

Crown Agents overseas procurement offices are in Kobe, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Washington DC. They also have representative offices in Lagos, Nairobi, Bahrain, Jakarta, Barbados, Riyadh and Kano.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she is aware that the Fay Committee Report into the Crown Agents affair reveals that some of those connected with these matters refused to give evidence or in any way participate; and to what extent the Aarvold Committee will have authority to send for persons and papers.

I refer my hon. Friend to the statement of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 8th December.