§ Lord Campbell of Allowayasked Her Majesty's Government:
If they intend to take any new measures to deal with serious commercial fraud.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylebone)The Government understand the concern which has been expressed about the range of problems generated by allegations of serious commercial fraud. As one aspect of the matter, we have decided that it would be appropriate that the way in which courts deal with such cases be examined by an independent body and the Home Secretary and I have therefore decided to appoint a committee with the following terms of reference:
"To consider in what ways the conduct of criminal proceedings in England and Wales arising from fraud can he improved, and to consider what changes in existing law and procedure would be desirable to secure the just, expeditious and economical disposal of such proceedings".
I am pleased to say that the noble and learned Lord, Lord Roskill, has agreed to he chairman of this committee. The names of other members will be announced as soon as possible.