HC Deb 07 March 1977 vol 927 cc365-6W
Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Attorney-General how many applications have been made to him in each of the last 10 years for his fiat; in respect of what proceedings such applications were made; and in how many and what percentage of such cases in each such category he granted and withheld his consent, respectively.

The Attorney-General

My fiat is necessary before proceedings under a large number of provisions can be brought. The information requested is readily available only in respect of some of them. It is as follows:

The Prevention of Corruption Acts, 1889 to 1916
Applications (1970–76) 955
Consent granted 808 (85 per cent.)
Consent refused 147 (15 per cent.)
The Official Secrets Acts, 1911 to 1939
Applications (1965–76) 93
Consent granted 34 (37 per cent.)
Consent refused 59 (63 per cent.)
Race Relations Act 1965
Applications (1965–76) 260
Consent granted 20 (8 per cent.)
Consent refused 240 (92 per cent.)
The Explosive Substances Act 1883
Applications (1970–76) 325
Consent granted 293 (90 per cent.)
Consent refused 32 (10 per cent.)