§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Attorney-General (1) what representations he has received from(a) the Metropolitan police, (b) the Serious Fraud Office and (c) sponsor Departments for further computer runs to detect illegal multiple share applications in the privatisation of (a) British Gas, (b) British Airports, (c) British Airways, (d) British Steel and (e) the 10 regional water and sewerage companies;
(2) when he expects to see completed all inquiries into illegal multiple share applications in the privatisation of (a) British Gas, (b) British Airports, (c) British Airways, (d) British Steel and (e) the 10 regional water companies.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe fraud investigation group of the Crown prosecution service has worked in liaison with the Metropolitan and City police commercial fraud squad to identify and investigate possible criminal offences arising out of multiple applications submitted in the course of the issue of shares for British Gas plc, British Airways plc, Rolls-Royce plc, British Airports Authorities plc and the 10 regional water companies. In each case they have had the assistance of a report by the auditors appointed for the issue by the sponsor Department. It is accompanied by 3W computerised data. The majority of cases arising from the earlier issues have been concluded; most of those relating to the water privatisation issues remain outstanding.
It is, however, the practice of the CPS and the police when considering suspect cases relating to the water issue to examine all available data relating to earlier issues to ascertain whether any previous dealing by the suspect is revealed which may be relevant to either the evidential or public interest aspect of the decision whether to prosecute. The computerised data are held by the police and are freely accessible by them.