Enron 'failed to notify Congress of hidden debts'
A US Senator leading the investigation into the collapse of Enron says the corporation did not tell Congress about a web of partnerships it used to hide debts.
An estimated 3,000 partnerships, some with names of Star Wars characters such as Jedi, were created by Enron.
The corporation took a 97% stake in each of them and brought in outside investors for the remainder.
The partnerships were kept off Enron's books and helped create the accounting debacle that pushed the company into the biggest US corporate bankruptcy ever on December 2.
Byron Dorgan, chairman of a Senate Commerce subcommittee, said Enron officials "just simply have not cooperated" in providing the documents sought, adding: "We again renew our request."
Mr Dorgan said the committee didn't immediately plan to issue a subpoena to the company.
Kenneth Lay, Enron's chairman until his resignation last week and a supporter of President Bush, has agreed to testify at the committee's hearing on Monday, Mr Dorgan told reporters.
He said Lay's attorneys have not asked for immunity from prosecution as a condition.
