§ 33. Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement setting out the action which he has taken since the report of the Select Committee on Trade and Industry about the circumstances relating to its consideration of the House of Fraser issue.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Metropolitan police have been making inquiries. Their preliminary report on this matter has been received and is under consideration by the Crown prosecution service.
§ Sir Teddy TaylorAs the Select Committee has made serious allegations about interference in its important work, is not it worrying that it has taken quite so long to make any progress in dealing with its complaint? Does my right hon. and learned Friend appreciate that many people are genuinely mystified by what appears to be the astonishing delays—in some cases of years—in dealing with issues of any sort relating to the activities of Mr. Fayed?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralWe are certainly not talking about delays of years. The preliminary report was received within the time notified to my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Mr. Shepherd) in an answer to his recent question. That preliminary report on a matter by no means without complexities and evidential difficulties is being carefully considered.