§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Attorney-General what representations he has received respecting the bringing of criminal charges by the United Kingdom against General Augusto Pinochet; and if he will respond positively to such requests.
§ The Attorney-GeneralAmnesty International (British Section) requested that I should either initiate a prosecution against General Pinochet for alleged offences contrary to section 134 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 or grant consent for a prosecution to be brought. My office responded explaining that I do not myself investigate alleged crime or initiate criminal proceedings. Any action by the public prosecuting authorities would need to be preceded by a criminal investigation. Amnesty International was advised that, if it considered that the public prosecuting authorities in this country should take action, the proper course would be for them to place any evidence in the hands of the police and general guidance was given as to the evidence required to support any application for consent.