asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects his Department's investigation into the affairs of Lonrho to be completed.

The inspectors have already done a considerable amount of work. It is not yet possible to say when they will complete their investigation.

Will they investigate the reason why the right hon. Member for Streatham (Mr. Sandys) was appointed as consultant in September 1971 at a grossly inflated salary, since he could offer only part-time service, and will they investigate also whether there was any connection between his appointment and the fact that in the very same month Mr. Newman, managing director of Lonrho (South Africa), and three other Lonrho directors were arrested in Johannesburg on fraud charges, with hectic efforts being made by the company to secure their release ever since?

I do not know what connection there may or may not be between those matters, or how far the inspectors will think it right to follow up the points made by the hon. Gentleman. They will be conducting a widespread investigation in accordance with their terms of reference under statute.