§ Mr. Barnettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of his staff are engaged on the investigation of evasion of exchange control regulations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TaverneIn the Treasury, 5 officers are employed full-time and 4 part-time in investigation work—excluding ancillary staff.
In H.M. Customs and Excise, investigation into evasion of exchange control may be undertaken as part of his normal duties by any member of the Customs Preventive Service who deals with passengers and also by other members of the staff.
Work in this field is also carried out by the Bank of England.
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§ Mr. Barnettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he is having with Hong Kong authorities on evasion of United Kingdom exchange control regulations.
§ Mr. TaverneConsultation with the Hong Kong authorities on exchange control matters, including evasion of the United Kingdom restrictions, is a continuing process, as it is with all sterling area countries.
§ Mr. Barnettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cases of evasion of exchange control regulations have been investigated in the last 12 months; how many have resulted in prosecutions; what were the penalties; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TaverneIn the 12 months ending 31st October, the Treasury completed investigations into 445 cases of suspected evasion. Thirty-three prosecutions involving 37 defendants were instituted. Twenty-eight have been heard and all resulted in convictions. One defendant was sentenced to 9 months imprisonment and fines totalling £12,250 were levied on the others.
In the same period, H.M. Customs and Excise instituted 65 exchange control prosecutions resulting in fines totalling £112,480 and, in addition, made 3,880 seizures of currency totalling £120,000.
§ Mr. Barnettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he is having with the Swiss banking authorities on the collusion between Swiss banks and United Kingdom citizens for the purpose of evading exchange control, details of which have been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsI share my hon. Friend's concern about this and I am considering what action can usefully be taken.