§ 22. Mrs. RocheTo ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement about the case of Asil Nadir.
§ The Solicitor-General (Sir Derek Spencer)A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Asil Nadir. The Crown is ready to proceed when he returns or is returned to the jurisdiction.
§ Mrs. RocheGiven that efforts have so far failed to lead to the return of Asil Nadir from the illegal regime of occupied northern Cyprus, is it not about time that pressure was exerted on the Turkish Government, who really control the situation, or are the Government. of this country are apprehensive about what Asil Nadir will reveal about secret Tory party donations?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe hon. Lady cannot have been present in the Chamber when I dealt with that question on previous occasions. We are anxious that Asil Nadir should return to this country at the earliest opportunity to stand trial, and we have encouraged him to do so. The matter of donations to party funds was considered by the Department of Trade and Industry and then by the Serious Fraud Office. The decision about the charges to be preferred against Mr. Asil Nadir was taken by the Serious Fraud Office, an independent investigating and prosecuting authority, without reference to any Ministers or to either of the Law Officers.
§ Mr. John MarshallDoes my hon. and learned Friend agree that it is a tragedy that Mr. Denktash has converted Famagusta, Kyrenia and Varosha into a costa del crime?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralAs I have already said, we are very keen that Asil Nadir should come back to this country. He has nothing to fear, and we should be interested in what he has to say about the charges that have been preferred.