§ 35. Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Attorney-General in what ways he discharges his specific responsibilities for the enforcement of the criminal law. [12983]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralIn discharging our responsibilities for the enforcement of the criminal law in specific cases the Attorney-General and myself act wholly independent of Government.
§ Mr. MackinlayWhat is the hon. and learned Gentleman going to do about the widespread public perception that white-collar crime is easy to get away with in this country; that there are very few prosecutions and, when there are prosecutions, sentences are wholly inadequate? Is it not an opinion that has some validity that, if one commits a mega-big white-collar crime, one gets away with it whereas, if one is a minnow, one gets prosecuted?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThat view is totally misconceived. The Serious Fraud Office deals with a number of cases—approximately 50 at any one time—that formerly were not prosecuted. Very recently, increased power to refer unduly lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal was assigned to my right hon. and learned Friend, so that he can now refer unduly lenient sentences in cases of serious and complex fraud.