§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what were the charges laid against Mr. Philip Layton of the Royal Hong Kong police at his trial; what was the outcome of the trial; how much compensation has been paid to Mr. Layton following the trial verdict; what were the surveillance duties of Mr. Layton in relation to arms traffic in Hong Kong; and whether those duties extended to the People's Republic of China.
§ Mr. GoodladPhilip Layton was charged with soliciting an advantage from John Edward Picken, and with offering an advantage to Rodney John Starling, a chief inspector of police, in exchange for the future supply of confidential information. He was acquitted of these charges. He did not receive any compensation but, 669W following a court order that he be awarded his costs, he was paid HK$3,416,601.
Mr. Layton did not have any duties in relation to arms traffic in Hong Kong.