§ Dr. PalmerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review alternative methods to jury trial in serious fraud cases. [30172]
§ Mr. MichaelThe Government are determined that there should be effective measures in place for tackling financial fraud.
The Government recognise that there are concerns that the present system for handling some major complex fraud trials is not working satisfactorily. Therefore, I have today issued a consultation document which has been placed in the Library. This invites views on the principle of whether the system is likely to operate better and with 466W a greater degree of public confidence if, in a small number of complex fraud trials, a traditional jury were to be replaced by another method of determining the facts. Views are also sought on four possible alternative methods of trial. The Government have not reached a conclusion on whether the ending of a jury trial in serious fraud cases is desirable in principle or formed an opinion on any particular option for change and will not do so until the consultation process is complete. The purpose of the consultation is to provide a full opportunity for the principle of change to be considered in the context of the problems presented by these case and possible alternative trial methods.
Comments on the document are invited by 31 May 1998 and we shall consider them all carefully before reaching any conclusions as to whether any changes should be made.