HC Deb 29 October 1998 vol 318 c239W
Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Deputy Chief Constable of Hampshire regarding affidavits signed by Mr. Trutch. [56697]

Mr. Boateng

I have not had any discussions with the Deputy Chief Constable about this case. The Hampshire Constabulary has been given advice by the Home Office on how to register its interest with the Royal Court of Dubai in the outcome of the George Atkinson case, to which Mr. Trutch's affidavits are related.

In cases such as this, it would be usual for the police to register their interest with the Dubai Public Prosecutor, initially through Interpol. If the Hampshire Police were to investigate an allegation of perjury, the Crown Prosecution Service might prepare a formal request to the authorities in Dubai for assistance in gathering evidence.