§ Hugh BayleyTo ask the Solicitor-General, if she will make a statement about the resources for detection and investigation available to the Serious Fraud Office. (115021)
§ The Solicitor-General[holding answer 22 May 2003]The SFO is responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious complex fraud.
In this financial year the budget of the SFO has risen to £23.41 million. In 2004–05 it rises to £30.39 million and in 2005–06 it rises to £35.34 million.
The SFO employs both permanent civil servants and contract staff. It also investigates in conjunction with the police and is working with the Corporation of London and the Government to explore ways of making more police resources available for investigating fraud.