HC Deb 10 April 1978 vol 947 cc971-3
39. Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Attorney-General when he next intends to meet the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Attorney-General (Mr. S. C. Silkin)

Quite soon.

Mr. Price

In spite of the fact that the Royal Commission has been appointed to look into a new system of public prosecution in Britain, is there anything that my right hon, and learned Friend can do in the meantime to tidy up the chaotic system of public prosecution in Britain so that, if the Royal Commission makes some radical recommendations, there is something for it to build on when that time comes?

The Attorney-General

My hon. Friend will be aware that, for the major part, the prosecution system is not within my control or responsibility. I am responsible for the Director of Public Prosecutions, and a major part of the prosecution system consists of the prosecuting solicitors and the police authorities. I entirely agree with what lies behind my hon. Friend's supplementary question. I think that our system is highly piecemeal. It requires to be rationalised. The Director, together with myself and the Home Office, is doing his best to try to effect improvements before the report of the Royal Commission, and I hope that we shall be able to do so.

Mr. Lawrence

When the Attorney-General meets the Director of Public Prosecutions, will he discuss with him the question whether his office is adequately staffed? Might it not make a substantial contribution to the reduction of crime at the present time, when the serious crime rate is alarmingly growing, if decisions were taken which would enable the Director's Department to initiate prosecutions more speedily than it is able to do at present?

The Attorney-General

I am grateful to the hon. Member for making the first of those two points. Indeed, when I see the Director, which is fairly frequently, the subject that he mentioned is often under discussion. The Director is endeavouring to improve matters. He has already had some success, but he knows that, if he needs my help in achieving further success in staffing, I am willing to help him as much as I can.

Mr. Skinner

Will my right hon, and learned Friend confirm that, in our anxiety to see that law and order matters are dealt with properly, the Poulson matters should be finalised? Has the Director of Public Prosecutions anything further to add upon the investigation with relation to Mr. Williams, who disappeared, and in respect of other matters, such as Lonrho? Can he tell us what stage has been reached there in respect of any prosecution and in any of the other related City scandals which have taken place over the last five years?

The Attorney-General

I made a statement to the House some considerable time ago on the Poulson matter. I have nothing to add so far as concerns any person who was not embraced by that statement.

The Lonrho matter is still under investigation. On the last occasion of Attorney-General's Questions my hon. Friend asked me about certain other matters, and I have written to him telling him what the position is about those.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Will the Attorney-General discuss with the DPP, who is also the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland, with a view to representations in Dublin, the failure to extradite convicted prisoners who escape from gaol in Northern Ireland—a distinct matter from the protection given by Irish courts to wanted criminals asserting political motives?

The Attorney-General

I do not think that this matter arises out of this Question and it is not really a matter for me. But the hon. Gentleman's point has certainly been noted.

Mr. Watkinson

Has my right hon, and learned Friend discussed the case of Liddle Towers with the Director of Public Prosecutions recently? If he is successful in his application for opening the inquest on this case, and if new evidence is brought forward, will it be open to the DPP to consider the decision not to bring prosecutions?

The Attorney-General

I have not discussed the matter with the Director since the Director made his original decision that there was not sufficient evidence to justify prosecutions. It would be foolish for me to speculate about what would happen if there were a resumed inquest.