Mr. R. Duckworthasked the Attorney-General how often have prosecutions been instituted by the War Damage Commission for intentional over assessment of the cost of repairs; and with what results.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Director of Public Prosecutions deals with cases of the kind referred to. Criminal proceedings have been brought in 63 cases, involving 82 defendants. Eight cases are in the course of hearing. In 42 cases there have been convictions of 51 defendants. In 13 cases, involving 20 defendants, there have been acquittals. The sentences imposed on convictions have ranged from three years' penal servitude to the imposition of fines. My right 817W hon. Friend the Lord Advocate informs me that in Scotland there has been only one prosecution which was successful.