MPs call for publishing of BCCI report

MORE THAN 100 MPs are calling on the Prime Minister to ensure that the Bingham inquiry into the collapse of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International is published in full before the Commons rises on 16 July.

Their Commons motion follows correspondence between Keith Vaz, the Labour MP for Leicester East, and Lord Justice Bingham's office, which told him last Monday that it was 'unable to advise whether the report will be delivered to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Governor (of the Bank of England) before or after 16 July', although everyone was 'working very hard to ensure that it is delivered at the earliest opportunity'.

The motion is mainly signed by Labour MPs, but it has all-party backing.

Tomorrow is the first anniversary of the bank's collapse. Mr Vaz, who has led a campaign for compensation for the victims, said: 'It is essential that MPs have a chance to question ministers and the Prime Minister over the reasons why BCCI was closed. Last year we were silenced because the inquiry had begun. It would be absurd to wait until October (when Parliament reassembles) to discuss this matter.'