§ 46. Mr. DalyellTo ask the Attorney-General what contacts have taken place between Kleinwort Benson, bankers, and his Department in relation to the financing of the Al Fayed brothers over Harrods.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Patrick Mayhew)None, Sir.
§ Mr. DalyellMay we have the Attorney-General's assurance that if one is rich enough, powerful enough and can get away with it, in such circumstances lying is now all right?
§ The Attorney-GeneralNo, Sir.
§ Mr. DykesDoes my right hon. and learned Friend realise that this unsatisfactory matter will not go away without further statements from the Government? Will he at least say today whether he has had contacts aim discussions with Treasury Ministers about the position of Harrods Bank Ltd?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by the director of the Serious Fraud Office and the Director of Public Prosecutions on 1 March. They said that they were satisfied that every line of inquiry by the police had been properly followed through and that at the end of it there was insufficient evidence of an admissible nature in criminal proceedings to warrant bringing a prosecution in respect of any matter raised in the Department of Trade and Industry inspectors' report. That is the area for which I carry ministerial responsibility. If my hon. Friend wishes to raise further matters with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, he may do so.