§ Mr. Rookerasked the Attorney-General how long the papers in the Pergamon Press Ltd. case have been with the Director of Public Prosecutions; and when he expects the Director of Public Prosecutions to announce his decision as to what action he intends to take.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe initial papers were received by the Director of Public Prosecutions from the Department of Trade on 7th and 25th January 1971, and following a conference with that Department on 9th February 1971 the police were forthwith requested to make inquiries. These have been continuing since that date and are still not completed. Numerous interim reports have been supplied and conferences have been held with counsel. Currently, police inquiries are proceeding into an important aspect of the case, and every effort is being made to complete the inquiries within a few weeks, to enable counsel to provide the Director with their final advice. It is then hoped to take a decision with the minimum of delay.