HC Deb 14 June 2000 vol 351 cc647-8W
Mr. Pickthall

To ask the Prime Minister when the Performance and Innovation Unit will publish its report on the pursuit and seizure of criminal assets; and if he will make a statement. [126158]

The Prime Minister

The Performance and Innovation Unit's report "Recovering the Proceeds of Crime" is being published today as agreed Government policy. Copies have been placed in the Vote Office and in the Libraries of the House. It is also available on the Cabinet Office website atwww.cabinet-office.gov.uk/innovation.

The PIU report sets out the Government's new approach to tackling crime through its finances. In implementing the report, the Government are determined to show that crime will not pay in the UK. We aim to reduce crime and to increase confidence in the criminal justice system. The report sets out a plan of action covering the following areas:

  1. (i) a more strategic approach to asset recovery, including a dedicated National Confiscation Agency and greater cross-Government co-operation;
  2. (ii) more emphasis on financial investigation to help law enforcement uncover criminal assets as a routine part of their business;
  3. (iii) a new legislative attack closing legal loopholes and calling all convicted offenders to account for their assets where they have clearly benefited from their crimes; and introducing civil forfeiture giving the courts power to recover unlawful gains currently beyond the reach of the law;
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  4. (iv) tightening the money laundering regime, simplifying and consolidating the money laundering laws;
  5. (v) taxing unlawful gains by using tax powers more effectively to target criminal wealth; and
  6. (vi) setting a higher international standard, working with our partners overseas to drive up standards and close boltholes.

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, in collaboration with my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary, will take forward implementation of the conclusions of the report and introduce legislation as soon as possible. The report is being widely circulated so that views received by the Home Office by the end of August can be taken into account prior to introduction of legislation. Further information can be found on the Home Office website at www.homeoffice.gov.uk.