§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Attorney-General (1) if his fiat has been refused in any cases where citizens have attempted to bring a private prosecution against a Government Minister for alleged serious offences; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if his power of consent has been used at any time to refuse the prosecution of Government Ministers; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy consent to the institution of criminal proceedings is required only when the statute creating an offence so stipulates. I have not refused any request from a prosecuting authority or any other source for such consent.