Retail figures drawn into Labour loans scandal

Some of retail's top names have been drawn into the Labour loans for peerages scandal.

With a contribution of£2 million, supermarket heir Lord David Sainsbury is among the 12 wealthy businessmen whose loans helped to finance the Labour election campaign last year. He became Lord Sainsbury of Turville in October 1997 and is now minister for science and innovation at the Department of Trade and Industry.

Richard Caring, owner of fashion group International Clothing Design - best known as a major supplier to Philip Green - has also loaned£2 million.

Sir David Garrard, previously a co-owner of property firm Minerva, topped the list, bankrolling Labour to the tune of£2.3 million. His nomination for a peerage has now been blocked by the Lords Appointments Commission. Another former Minerva owner, Andrew Rosenfeld, also loaned£1 million. Minerva is best known in the retail world for having owned Allders prior to its demise. Minerva was criticised heavily by Allders' staff and pensioners for its role in the collapse.

Under new laws proposed by the Government, secret loans to parties will be banned.