§ 78. Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Attorney-General how many decisions relating to prosecutions he has taken in the last three months.
§ The Attorney-GeneralToo many to enumerate accurately.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursWill the Government, as a matter of urgency, review the law as set out in the Company Securities (Insider Dealing) Act 1985 following the case of Mr. Brian Fisher, who was brought before the courts but cleared of the charge of illlegally trading in the shares of Thomson T-Line? Does the Attorney-General understand that this is an important area that needs urgent reform? If no action is taken, many of those involved in the criminal offence of insider dealing will go to court and get off. Is he aware of the cases on the desk of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry relating to Matthew Brown shares? Should, not action be taken in the courts against those people? We demand a prosecution, because they are all guilty.
§ The Attorney-GeneralIf the hon. Gentleman is so sure that they are all guilty, one is rather surprised that he troubles with the prosecution. The Government have an unsurpassed record on the introduction of legislation designed to ensure high standards and conformity with proper standards in the matter to which his question refers. I have seen a report of the case to which he referred. I shall ensure that my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Home Secretary consider the matter.