HC Deb 23 February 1987 vol 111 cc27-8W
Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as to the total amount of police time spent on the Cynthia Payne court case.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that about 520 hours of police time were spent in active investigation of this case. A further small amount of police time was spent on other work connected with the case but this cannot be separated out without disproportionate cost.

Mr. Clay

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis as to the total expenditure on the investigation of the case of Mrs. Cynthia Payne; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I shall reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department who made the decision to prosecute Cynthia Payne.

The Solicitor-General

I have been asked to reply.

The decision to prosecute Mrs. Cynthia Payne was made by the Crown Prosecution Service.