Serious Fraud Office (Hansard, 13 February 1989)

§ 65. Mr. Rooker
To ask the Attorney-General when he last met the director of the serious fraud office; and what matters were discussed.

§ The Attorney-General (Sir Patrick Mayhew)
Today, Sir. We discussed matters of departmental interest.

§ Mr. Rooker
Will the Attorney-General confirm whether he has discussed with the director of the serious fraud office the continuing delay in reaching a decision on his inquiries regarding the Department of Trade and Industry's report on the House of Fraser? Will he also confirm that the dilatory actions of former Ministers, Sir Alex Fletcher and the right hon. Member for Chingford (Mr. Tebbit) allowed known crooks to buy the House of Fraser? Are they now co-operating fully with the serious fraud office?

§ The Attorney-General
As to the less tendentious part of the hon. Gentleman's question, the matter to which he referred at the beginning featured among those that I discussed today. Police inquiries requested by the Director of Public Prosecutions are continuing.

§ Sir Anthony Grant
Did my right hon. and learned Friend discuss with the Director of Public Prosecutions any need for additional staff in his Department to deal with major fraud cases? It has taken an appalling length of time to bring the Guinness scandal to trial.

§ The Attorney-General
No, Sir. That was not among the matters discussed, because the director of the serious fraud office has made no representation to me that he needs additional staff. The establishment of the serious fraud office has vindicated the legislation that permitted it, because matters that are now the subject of prosecution—including the prosecution arising out of the Guinness affair—would not have been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions under the previous arrangements.

§ Mr. Campbell-Savours
What is happening in the case of Mr. Kunwar Chander Jeet Singh, who ran Ravendale Group plc and City Investment Centres, and who, in the over-the-counter market and in other share dealings, defrauded thousands of people of their money? When will that fraudster be prosecuted?

§ The Attorney-General
If the hon. Gentleman wishes to ask a question about a specific case, it will be to my advantage and, I suspect, to that of the House, if he addressed his question directly to that case.