HC Deb 09 December 1991 vol 200 cc604-5
32. Mr. Vaz

To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a further statement about job vacancies in the Crown prosecution service.

The Solicitor-General (Sir Nicholas Lyell)

Over the 12 months to 31 October this year, 209 lawyers have joined the Crown prosecution service and vacancies have fallen from 17.4 to 10.8 per cent. Vacancies for administrative staff are currently 5.3 per cent.

Mr. Vaz

Does the Solicitor-General share my concern that years after the CPS was established, vacancies still exist among its professional staff? There has not been a single year when the CPS has been fully staffed. Does not the Solicitor-General accept the views of the Select Committee on Home Affairs, which conducted an inquiry into the CPS, that it is now time for a full inquiry into why the CPS is not up to its full complement?

Also, when does the right hon. and learned Gentleman hope to fill the post of Director of Public Prosecutions?

The Solicitor-General

I think that the hon. Gentleman is less well informed about the Crown prosecution service than he was a year or so ago. He certainly underestimates the effective recruiting campaigns that the CPS has carried out during the past year and he seems to have ignored the fact that, in order to carry out its work as well as possible, its total manpower requirement has been increased. Consequently, the figures do not appear to have risen as much as they actually have. The CPS has been recruiting successfully.

Mr. David Shaw

Will my right hon. and learned Friend confirm that any temporary difficulties of manpower in the Crown prosecution service will not in any way affect prosecutions that may be necessary as a result of the discovery of potential fraud in the Maxwell case? Will he confirm that the possible political connections of any individuals will not be taken into account in relation to any prosecutions that may be necessary?

The Solicitor-General

My hon. Friend will appreciate that the investigation of anything to do with the Maxwell empire is being undertaken by the Serious Fraud Office. I can certainly confirm that that investigation will be carried out and any decisions taken without fear or favour, affection or ill will.

Mr. Winnick

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that many people in this country find it almost inconceivable to understand how such a crook as Maxwell could have got away with what he did for so long without the Crown prosecution service being in any way involved? Is not it necessary to recognise that in future the Crown prosecution service should be far more willing to listen to allegations and to investigate them?

The Solicitor-General

It is important in these matters to remember where the responsibilities lie. The Crown prosecution service is not an investigating body. Investigation in these areas is carried out by the police. The Serious Fraud Office has powers of investigation, and it is exercising them.