§ 22. Mr. GapesTo ask the Attorney-General when he next plans to visit Northern Cyprus to discuss extradition.
§ The Solicitor-General (Sir Derek Spencer)My right hon. and learned Friend has no such plans.
§ Mr. GapesIs it not about time that the Government put some serious pressure on the Denktash regime in northern Cyprus, directly and through Turkey, to secure Mr. Asil Nadir's extradition back to this country—or is it true to say that the £440,000 that Mr. Nadir gave the Conservative party is now reaping its rewards?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Department of Trade and Industry drew that question to the attention of the Serious Fraud Office at the beginning of its inquiry. Having considered all the issues, the SFO decided to focus its attention on the frauds that are at present before the court.
I emphasise that the SFO—which is an independent prosecuting authority—made its decisions without reference to Ministers or to the Law Officers. We would welcome any pressure from any quarter that would persuade Mr. Nadir to return to this country and stand trial.
§ Mr. BoothDoes not the law of extradition allow any fugitive from justice to surrender voluntarily? In this case, should not every encouragement be given to Asil Nadir —who is currently besmirching the fine island of Cyprus and its fine people—to come back voluntarily and stand trial?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI entirely agree with my hon. Friend. The trial was fixed for last autumn, and Mr. Nadir did not attend; we are anxious that he should make an early return and stand trial.
§ Mr. SkinnerCan the Minister tell us whether the Tory party has handed back Asil Nadir's £440,000 gift to anyone?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe hon. Gentleman must have been distracted: I answered that question a few moments ago.