§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Attorney-General (1) on what dates since January 1990 the Serious Fraud Office sent letters to the Department of Trade and Industry concerning the activities of(a) Butte Mining and (b) Plateau Mining; [40757]
(2) at what date the Serious Fraud Office began its investigation into (a) Butte Mining and (b) Plateau Mining; when the investigations were completed; what action was subsequently taken; and if he will make a statement. [40758]
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Serious Fraud Office commenced investigation into the affairs of Richmond Oil and Gas plc on 29 June 1992. Matters emerging during that investigation caused the Serious Fraud Office to begin an investigation into Butte Mining plc on 9 September 1993. Between May 1995 and March 1996 four people were charged with conspiracies to defraud and the case is awaiting trial before the central criminal court.
During the course of its investigations, the Serious Fraud Office liaises as necessary with the Department of Trade and Industry. It is my practice not to give details of steps taken in the course of individual criminal investigations.
The Serious Fraud Office has not conducted an investigation into the affairs of Plateau Mining.