§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many suspected frauds involving £500,000 or more are currently being investigated by his Department's investigators; and what is the average time elapsing between the commencement of an investigation and the matter being brought to court.
§ Mr. SainsburyThree cases each involving more than £500,000 are currently being investigated by the Ministry of Defence police fraud squad. The time needed to complete an investigation, to the satisfaction of the Serious Fraud Office where appropriate, depends on a variety of factors, including the nature and complexity of the alleged offences.
If, on the evidence obtained, it is then considered that criminal procedures should be instituted, the case will have to come to trial—this is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General.