Britain investigates child abuse claims
LONDON - Britain's government is investigating new allegations related to a major child abuse scandal in north Wales in the 1970s and 1980s. Prime Minister David Cameron's spokesman said yesterday that the leader's office and at least two government departments were examining claims that previous inquiries into the cases had failed to assess all relevant evidence. In an interview with the BBC's Newsnight programme on Friday, abuse victim Steve Messham alleged that a senior Conservative Party figure was involved in a paedophile ring. AP
Strong sales greet iPad mini debut
SAN FRANCISCO - Apple said it sold 3 million units of its iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad during the debut weekend. "We estimate at least two-thirds of the units are iPad minis," Brian Marshall, an analyst at ISI Group, wrote in a research report. Apple began selling the 7.9-inch tablet in the US and more than 30 other countries on November 2, ramping up an effort to fend off competition in the market for tablets. People who ordered online are experiencing delays. Shipments for the iPad mini are held up about two weeks, according to Apple's website. Bloomberg
Assets seized in textile giant tax fraud probe
ROME - Italian police seized assets including a ski chalet and luxury apartments worth €65 million (HK$818 million) from textile maker Marzotto as part of a tax fraud inquiry. Thirteen people including five members of the Marzotto family and board members are under investigation. The inquiry revolves around the sale of fashion brand Valentino Fashion Group by Marzotto to the European private equity group Permira. Police allege that taxes were not paid on around €65 million in revenues from the sale that passed through a Luxembourg holding. AFP