Auditor General Larry Dennis has passed information from his investigation into Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) to the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which handles criminal prosecutions.

Acting Health and Family Services Minister Alex Scott confirmed to The Royal Gazette yesterday that Mr. Dennis, who began the investigation last month into claims of corruption and alleged over-payments to some contractors, had been in contact with the DPP's office.

He said Mr. Dennis had not yet completed his inquiry, but Government supported him forwarding his findings to the DPP or the Police if he found any evidence of wrong-doing.

In response to an inquiry from The Royal Gazette, Mr. Scott said yesterday that no law enforcement agency or government department had received a completed file because Mr. Dennis had not yet finished his report.

He added: "Mr. Dennis has generated information which he has sought the opinion of various members and ministries of the Government, one of which is the office of the Department of Public Prosecutions.

"While it can be fully appreciated that the Auditor General has not brought his work to a conclusion, it would be premature for Mr. Dennis or any member of the BHC executive committee to comment at this stage."

Premier Jennifer Smith ordered the inquiry following media reports that one painting contractor earned more than $800,000 for seven months' work.

Mr. Dennis has assembled a team of seven chartered accountants, a quantity surveyor and a painting contractor to assess BHC contracts.

The BHC executive temporarily suspended BHC general manager Raymonde Dill and finance manager Robert Clifford pending the outcome of Mr. Dennis's investigation.

The executive said the suspensions did not imply wrong-doing on the part of the men and had been carried out to protect their reputations and the integrity of the investigation.

Mr. Dennis has said he hopes to have his report completed and handed to the Speaker of the House of Assembly when Parliament resumes in mid-May.