HL Deb 11 January 1999 vol 596 cc12-3WA
Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answer by the Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 30 November (H.L. Deb. col. 232), whether any prosecutions against staff or officials of the European Commission for fraud are in prospect; and, if not, why not. [HL265]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

Further to the Answer given on 30 November, prosecutions against staff or officials of the European Commission are a matter for the relevant national authorities in the light of the jurisdictional rules of the country in question. The Commission has never refused to waive immunity when requested by the relevant national authority. In the UK, allegations against EC staff or officials which fell within the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales would be investigated by either the police or the Serious Fraud Office, and if appropriate would be prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service or the Serious Fraud Office; waiver from immunity would be sought in such a case. Neither the Crown Prosecution Service nor the Serious Fraud Office is presently undertaking any prosecution against a member of staff or official of the European Commission for fraud or corruption.