To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in his Department's investigation into allegations of insider trading by David Abell, chairman of Souter; when the report of the investigation will be published; and whether the investigation extends to the conduct of the Souter supplementary pension fund and the Souter group pension fund.

The appointment of inspectors to investigate possible insider dealing offences is not normally announced and section 179 of the Financial Services Act 1986 precludes the publication of their reports. If the hon. Gentleman has information which he believes I should consider I should be pleased if he would pass it to me.