§ 37. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Attorney-General how long the papers in the Bryant Builders (Birmingham) case have now been with the Director of Public Prosecutions; and when he expects the Director of Public Prosecutions to announce his decision as to what action he intends to take.
§ 48. Mr. Rookerasked the Attorney-General how long the papers in the Bryant Builders (Birmingham) case have now been with the Director of Public Prosecutions; and when he expects the Director of Public Prosecutions to announce his decision as to what action he intends to take.
§ The Attorney-GeneralSo far as the first part of the Questions are concerned, I have nothing to add to the answers I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport, North (Mr. Bennett) on 22nd November, 13th December 1976 and 10th January this year. So far as the second part is concerned, a further police report of the further inquiries into this matter has been received and considered by counsel. The Director of Public Prosecutions is now considering counsel's advice.
§ Mr. BennettDoes my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the time during which this matter has been under investigation by the police and consideration by the Director of Public Prosecutions is appallingly long, which suggests to some people that there is a cover-up going on and to others that the whole system of the police investigating and then the Director giving consideration needs major overhaul?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI agree that it is a long time since this matter was first before the police and before the Director. Unfortunately, very complex inquiries have had to be made. Counsel has advised from time to time on the state of the inquiries to date and asked for further inquiries to be made. Long as this process has been—I agree entirely that is unfortunate that it should take so long—I assure my hon. Friend that I have myself had control over the last part of the matter and that it is being dealt with as rapidly as possible.
§ Mr. RookerIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that among those who think that a cover-up is going on are the West Midlands police themselves? If such people think that a cover-up is going on, is it not cause for great concern? My right hon. and learned Friend has assured the House, of course, that there is no cover-up, but will he make sure that the matter is brought to a speedy conclusion, as the office of the Director is now chock-a-block with reports from the West Midlands police?
§ The Attorney-GeneralIn case I did not make it clear before, I do so now. There is absolutely no question of any cover-up going on. It is a question of the evidence, and counsel are advising on the evidence. Counsel are fully aware of all the facts, as is the Director of Public Prosecutions. There is no scope for a cover-up, even if one were wanted, which it is not.