Reply from Geoffrey Robinson MP

Thank you for your letter of 23 June which I have just received. The answers to your questions are

• No to all points;
• No;
• While I would normally read the accounts of every company with which I am associated, it is difficult after eight years to recall a specific set of annual accounts.

If I had seen a mention of payments I had not received, I would, of course, have corrected this. But since I was not to be remunerated, this was not a point I was looking out for.

Given the continuing interest in these matters I asked Arthur Andersen to conduct an independent audit of Hollis Plc for the accounting period to 30th June 1990 and for the subsequent periods. Arthur Andersen have acceded to this request and consider that their work should be carried out on a pro bono basis to ensure total independence.

I have copied them your letter and drawn their attention to points (i) and (ii) on which their audit will provide an independent view. I have also asked them to expedite their work and will keep you informed of their progress.

I shall also be letting you have a signed affidavit or other appropriate confirmation from my own accountants that no payment of £200,000 was received by me from Hollis.

I trust these answers will meet with the satisfaction of the Committee.

30 June 1998