§ 120. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the observation of Lord Goddard, Lord Chief Justice, in the prosecution of Schick and another; and why there is frequently such a long delay before tax frauds are prosecuted.
§ Mr. H. BrookeYes. I understand that the Board of Inland Revenue, having reviewed the whole history of this case in the light of the Lord Chief Justice's observations, is in agreement that proceedings could have been started earlier. There were, however, special features arising out of the position of Schick's accomplice and adviser which made it unusually hard to reach a decision as to the starting of proceedings. I can assure the hon. Member that all the officers concerned in dealing with these difficult cases are fully seized of the importance of bringing them to as rapid a conclusion as possible.