§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Attorney-General what consideration he has given to the remarks of Lord Justice Murray at Belfast Crown Court last week in relation to Fred Bushell, the late Colin Chapman and John de Lorean; what obstacles stand in the way of extraditing Mr. De Lorean from the United States of America to face charges in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
The Attorney-GeneralMy attention has been drawn to the remarks of Lord Justice Murray in the course of sentencing Federick Bushell at the conclusion of his trial. These followed a joint investigation by the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Serious Fraud Office. Frederick Bushell resided and was arrested in the United Kingdom.
Although the Royal Ulster Constabulary holds a warrant for the arrest of Mr. De Lorean for conspiracy to defraud, I am advised that the laws of the United States provide a limitation period after which extradition is not normally possible. Although the period varies depending on the offence alleged, the period in this case expired before the Serious Fraud Office was created. It was the 552W Serious Fraud Office investigation which produced the evidence justifying the obtaining of the warrant against Mr. De Lorean.