§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when Mr. Michael Allcock was first suspended from his duties; when he is expected to return to work; if he will receive full pay during the period of his suspension; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellI refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave on these matters to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, Central, (Mr. Cousins) on 30 June 1993 at column505. Mr. Allcock was suspended from duty pending inquiries being carried out by the Metropolitan police. He was first suspended on 11 September 1992 on full pay. On 20 January 1994 he was charged with criminal offences and since that date his suspension has been without pay. I am not able to make any further statement pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.