88. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the increasing number of cases of hardship brought to light as a result of the recent conviction of the Prudential Assurance Company for fraudulent misrepresentation in the issue of their five per cent. war bond policies, he will authorise the Public Prosecutor to give assistance in those cases where he is satisfied that similar fraud has taken place and where the victims are too poor to take action themselves?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am unable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion. The duties of the Director of Public Prosecutions are confined to criminal proceedings.
Mr. THOMSONAre not the Government able to do anything to help the innocent victims who have been defrauded of their money?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI assure the hon. Gentleman I have made inquiries to-day, and the utmost care has been taken to sift the evidence to see whether prosecution is possible or desirable; I cannot hurry; I am doing my best.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a warrant for perjury has been issued at Hull against one of the agents of this company?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI hope it will be well-founded.