Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Geoffrey Cox and Michael Fabricant

Thursday 31st January 2019 Commons Chamber

[Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con)]

1. What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Crown Prosecution Service in prosecuting money laundering.

[The Attorney General (Mr Geoffrey Cox)]

The Crown Prosecution Service plays a central role in combating money laundering, terrorist financing and the pursuit of asset recovery within our criminal justice system. Dealing with illicit finance through the prosecution of money laundering offences remains a critical priority for our prosecuting agencies. Just last year, more than 1,400 convictions were sustained where it was the principal offence charged in the Crown Court.

[Michael Fabricant]

It seems that the Government need to get an even firmer grip on the Serious Fraud Office and the Crown Prosecution Service. Does my right hon. and learned Friend have any plans to strengthen oversight in that way?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Geoffrey Cox and Michael Fabricant

Thursday 13th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[The Attorney General]

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the principle of the convention applies and must be upheld. Of course the Government will consider very carefully, particularly in the light of the House’s expressed wish for assistance on these matters, what assistance they and I as Attorney General can give.

[Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con)]

2. When his Department’s policy on public disclosure of legal advice given by Law Officers to the Government was implemented.

[The Attorney General (Mr Geoffrey Cox)]

As noted in “Erskine May”, it is a long-standing convention observed by successive Governments that neither the fact nor the substance of Law Officers’ advice is disclosed outside the Government without their authority. That authority is very rarely sought or given.

[Michael Fabricant]

Given that recent decisions of the House might mean a return to Tony Blair-style sofa Government, does my right hon. and learned Friend think the Humble Address procedure needs revisiting?

[The Attorney General]

Of course, the corrosive effect of the disclosure of confidential advice is that in future Attorneys General will not be able, without risking and fearing its publication, to give frank and robust advice to the Cabinet or the Prime Minister when it is needed, with the point and emphasis that might be needed at that particular time. The risk if it is published is that it is taken out of context, parts of it are seized and plucked and dwelt upon, and the particular moment and context of the advice is ignored. I do think we need to look very carefully at the procedures of the House in this regard while paying due respect to the legitimate desire of the House to have all of the information that it requires.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Geoffrey Cox and Michael Fabricant

Thursday 1st November 2018 Commons Chamber

[The Attorney General]

I am not able to give the hon. Gentleman that detail. It is not my sphere of ministerial responsibility. Much as I would like to answer for every aspect and part of the Government, I cannot answer that question, but if he wishes an answer, I will write to him about it.

[Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con)]

Chris Bryant should resign.