HC Deb 26 February 1929 vol 225 cc1760-1
42. Mr. MARDY JONES

asked the Attorney-General whether he has now received the report of the Public Prosecutor regarding the affairs of the St. Mary Steamship Company, Limited; and, if so, will he inform the House what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Thomas Inskip)

I have received the report of the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding the affairs of this company. After careful consideration of the facts disclosed as the result of the Board of Trade Inquiry, all of which were more than eight years old, I have come to the conclusion that neither the public interest nor the interests of the shareholders would be served by any action which it is in my power to direct. I therefore propose to take no action.

Mr. JONES

Is it not a fact that the report presented to the Public Prosecutor discloses gross frauds perpetrated by this company for years, and, if that is so, why does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman take action?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL

The offences that were disclosed were committed eight years ago, and I am satis- fied that the public interest would not be served by prosecuting a man who has been already in prison for 12 months and punished for other offences in the same connection.

Mr. JONES

Is the period of years that has elapsed since the frauds were committed any reason for not taking against all such menaces to the commercial integrity of the nation?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL

I have to exercise the best of my judgment in the matter.

Mr. SHINWELL

Do the facts not reveal that private enterprise in shipping is a failure?

Mr. JONES

May I ask the Attorney-General—

Mr. SPEAKER

The Attorney-General has given his answer.

Mr. JONES

I beg to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise this question on the Adjournment this day week.