§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Attorney-General if the Serious Fraud Office will take steps to contact Dr. Werner Keicher of Vaduz with a view to obtaining his assistance in the investigations into the Maxwell group of companies.
The Attorney-GeneralIt is the policy of the Serious Fraud Office not to divulge operational details relating to the proposed handling of its investigations. I am satisfied that all steps currently necessary properly to investigate the Maxwell group of companies are being taken.
§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Attorney-General if he will provide additional resources and instructions to the Serious Fraud Office in order that they can assist in the recovery of moneys belonging to the Maxwell pension funds.
The Attorney-GeneralThe role of the Serious Fraud Office is to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute alleged offences involving serious or complex fraud. Primary responsibility for the recovery of assets rests with the trustees of the Maxwell pension funds, the administrators and liquidators. The Serious Fraud Office assists those so engaged to the extent that it is lawfully able to do so and that such assistance does not detract from the discharge of its own duties.
I am satisfied that the SFO is properly resourced for the discharge of its duties.