HL Deb 13 February 1989 vol 504 cc2-3

2.40 p.m.

Lord Harris of Greenwich asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, following the case of Regina v. Viccei and others at the Old Bailey, they propose to conduct a review of policy in relation to safe-deposit centres.

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, we will consult the British Security Industry Association about the possibility of bringing safe-deposit centres within the existing framework of self-regulation of the private security industry. It would not be appropriate to speculate on any policy review which might follow that consultation.

Lord Harris of Greenwich

My Lords, I thank the noble Earl for that reply. However, is he aware that there is clear evidence in the stated case that the safe-deposit centre was used to store cocaine and that it was also used by money launderers to store large sums of cash which were being laundered by the American drugs industry? In the light of that fact, is self-regulation really an answer to the Question?

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, there is a great deal to be said for the self-regulation of the industry. However, that does not mean to say that the criminal law will not take effect when that happens. Indeed, Part VI of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 will give the courts powers to confiscate the proceeds of serious crimes, provided those proceeds exceed £20,000 and that sum is realisable. I should add that this part of the Act comes into operation on 3rd April of this year and should help towards resolving the point raised by the noble Lord, Lord Harris of Greenwich.

Lord Harris of Greenwich

My Lords, is the noble Earl aware that although we welcome any talks he may have with the British Security Industry Association, we should be a little more gratified if he would indicate that he would discuss the matter with the Metropolitan Police and other bodies such as the Association of Chief Police Officers? Serious questions are raised when safe-deposit centres are clearly being used by high calibre criminals to store the proceeds of their activities. Will the noble Earl indicate that talks will take place with the police?

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, yes, certainly. ACPO, the Association of Chief Police Officers, made a report which it gave to my right honourable friend the Home Secretary. He has set up a working group to consider it with officials of the Home Office, the police and the industry itself.