Despite the existence of Bofors allegations dating from 1988, Sir Edward had accepted a role as a trustee of a Hinduja institute of Indian history. The Dharam Hinduja Institute of Indic Research was set up in England in 1995 and Sir Edward says his role there lasted until 1998. That post was unpaid. However, the Hindujas made donations to his constituency office in Bexley. He accepts that it was he who suggested to the Hindujas that they direct their money to the constituency.
Uncertainty surrounds the quantity.
Sir Edward told us his constituency had not kept records. Sir Edward says he never discussed the Bofors affair with the Hindujas. It seemed to be an internal Indian war. They also required registration of gifts by overseas or UK individuals and of regular financial sponsorship of MPs' constituency offices. The following April, the Hindu newspaper was preparing to publish documents implicating the Hindujas in the Bofors arms bribery scandal.