§ 34. Mr. SpellarTo ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement regarding the case of Mr. Brian Charrington.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe case of Mr. Brian Charrington was at all stages conducted by HM Customs and Excise which is an independent prosecuting authority. The decision to withdraw the case was taken entirely by the Commissioners on the advice of prosecuting counsel. I refer the hon. Member to the detailed answers that I gave on 26 January at column246 to the right hon. and learned Member for Aberavon (Mr. Morris) and on 7 February at column 13 to the hon. Member for Thurrock (Mr. Mackinlay).