HC Deb 26 October 1994 vol 248 cc668-9W
Mr. Meacher

To 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. Goodlad

Philip 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, 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.