§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Attorney-General what investigation are being undertaken in regard to those executives at Barings responsible for the criminal offence mentioned by the Governor of the Bank of England in his oral evidence to the Treasury and Civil Service Select Committee hearing of 5 April. [21133]
§ The Attorney-GeneralI understand that the hon. Member has in mind a possible contravention of section 38(9) of the Banking Act 1987. Such offences are normally investigated and prosecuted by the Bank of England.
The wider inquiries by the director of the Serious Fraud Office into the affairs of Barings bank continue. If information comes to light during those inquiries relevant to possible offences contrary to section 38 then that information will be made available to the Bank of England.
§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Attorney-General when he expects the Director of Public Prosecutions to report on his investigation into Mr. Nick Leeson. [21134]
§ The Attorney-GeneralIt is the director of the Serious Fraud Office rather than the Director of Public Prosecutions who is investigating matters relating to206W Barings bank. It is too soon to say when the inquiry will be complete.