asked the Minister for Trade whether he is satisfied that no confidential documents of his Department were passed to Jessop Marine in the period before the decision was made to grant the contract for salvaging the gold on HMS "Edinburgh"; and if he will make a statement.

The Department recently received information that allegations were to be made relating to the award of the contract for the recovery of gold from HMS "Edinburgh". The matter was referred to the Director of Public Prosecution, who called the police in to investigate the allegations. Police inquiries are continuing.