HC Deb 12 November 1984 vol 67 cc408-9
66. Mr. Skinner

asked the Attorney-General what recent discussions he has had with the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding civil and criminal legal matters; and if he will make a statement.

The Attorney-General (Sir Michael Havers)

I meet the director regularly to discuss matters concerning his Department as well as particular cases which it is handling. He has no responsibility for civil matters and I do not discuss them with him.

Mr. Skinner

Is it not high time that the DPP took some action against people in the City who in the recent past have been guilty of fraud? Is the Attorney-General aware that Johnson Matthey was insolvent in the summer, yet no action was taken—despite the fact that it continued to trade—with the result that the taxpayer, through the Bank of England, has now been called on to bail that company out to the tune of up to £75 million? Does that not compare strangely with the fact that old ladies can be sent to gaol or summonsed for taking a tin of salmon or that miners can be fined for taking coal so that pensioners can be kept warm? Is there one law for the workers and another for the City? Why should people in the City get off scot-free?

The Attorney-General

There is at present no evidence before the DPP of any fraud or misconduct on the part of the company to which the hon. Gentleman referred. It is wrong to say that the DPP has not intervened in allegations of City fraud. In the case of Howden he has already set up a police inquiry, and in the case of PCW and Minet, police inquiries are still continuing.

Mr. Stanbrook

Has my right hon. and learned Friend discussed with the DPP the disclosures in The Sunday Times yesterday concerning a certain notorious fugitive criminal in the Republic of Ireland? In that case would it not have been appropriate to use the provisional warrant procedure rather than go through the endorsed warrant system?

The Attorney-General

Unfortunately, the system under which one seeks the return of someone whom one wishes to try for a criminal offence here is laid down in a number of Acts of Parliament. That procedure was properly followed in this case. The original documents were not completely in order, and the police had to obtain documents which met the case. Unfortunately, because the information was published ahead of time, it appears that the person concerned could not be found.

Mr. John Morris

Is the Attorney-General satisfied that the extradition procedures agreed between this country and the Irish Government are working properly? In particular, will he confirm that he knows of no basis for complaint with regard to the failure to execute the warrant issued in relation to Miss Evelyn Glenholmes?

The Attorney-General

The right hon. and learned Gentleman is perfectly right and I am grateful to him. The proper procedure was followed. The doubts expressed by the Garda were the right doubts about mistakes. The matter was brought back, put right and taken over. The Garda have behaved impeccably, not only in this case, but in others in which we have sought their assistance.