§ Mr. Georgeasked the Attorney-General whether the DPP has completed his consideration of the police report concerning the Beaubush land deal.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe principal witness in any criminal proceedings arising out of what has become known as the Beaubush land deal would be Mr. L. H. Brooks, the original owner of the land in question. It has now been ascertained that Mr. Brooks' health is such that he would never be able to travel from his home in Jersey to give evidence before our courts. If for no other reason, criminal proceedings are therefore out of the question.
It is not the Director's normal policy to comment on the criminal liability of individuals named in any file submitted to him by the police, but in relation to Lord Ryder he considers it in the public interest to depart from his usual practice and make it clear that the evidence, even were Mr. Brooks available, does not disclose any criminal offence.
I agree with the Director's conclusions.