HC Deb 25 June 1973 vol 858 cc277-8W
Mr. James Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why the Hong Kong Gov- ernment have not sought the return to the Crown Colony of Chief Superintendent Peter Godber, now in the United Kingdom, for whom a warrant has been issued in the colony in connection with inquiries involving the prevention of bribery ordinance; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Anthony Royle

The offence alleged against Mr. Godber, and for which a warrant has now been issued in Hong Kong, is that he was in control of pecuniary resources disproportionate to his salary as a police officer. This is an offence under Section 10 of the Hong Kong Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. There is no corresponding offence in this country. Consequently the Hong Kong Government are not able at this moment to seek his return under the Fugitive Offenders Act. Police inquiries in Hong Kong are, however, continuing. This case demonstrates the Hong Kong Government's concern to investigate possible cases of corruption at all levels.

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