§ 33. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Attorney General why, in view of evidence submitted by the hon. Member for West Ham, North, and others, that the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has refused to implement the Companies Acts in relation to a number of companies, including Dollar Land, he will not institute proceedings against him for aiding and abetting a felony.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThere is no such offence as aiding and abetting a felony, and there is no evidence that the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has committed any criminal offence in this matter.
§ Mr. LewisIs the Attorney-General aware that dozens of cases have been reported to the Department of Trade and Industry which show that for years insurance companies and other public companies have been breaking the law and that Ministers are refusing to carry out statutory obligations laid upon them by the Companies Act? Is he further aware that thousands of poor people are losing money because of the neglect, maladministration and near-criminality of Ministers?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe hon. Gentleman in his Question asks me to prosecute the Secretary of State for an offence which does not exist. If there is any offence at all, it is not an offence 1110 which has been committed by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.