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MP demands inquiry into Time Computers collapse

Colin Barker ZDNet.co.uk

Published: 04 Aug 2005 13:05 BST

A Lancashire Conservative MP has called for a Government inquiry into the collapse of Granville Technology Group, the owners of Time and Tiny Computers.

Nigel Evans, MP for the Ribble Valley, urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to "carry out a full investigation into the reason behind the collapse" according to The Clitheroe Advertiser.

"I want the DTI to investigate why it is that the company had not issued any figures since June 2003," said Evans. "The company had made a profit of £2.5m and a turnover of £207m."

Evans also hit out at the secrecy that has surrounded the owners of Granville Technology and its complex web of related companies.

"I want to know which members of the board knew that the company was in dire straits and when they knew it," said Evans. This will be a key issue for any inquiry, should one be called, given the evidence from staff that the company was taking orders right up until the administrators arrived, when there was insufficient stock on hand to fulfil them.

Evans joins a growing list of those who have called for an inquiry, including the GMB union and the former employees of Time/Tiny computers who have set up a petition. The DTI has yet to launch an inquiry.