Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Grahame Morris and Lord Garnier

Tuesday 22nd May 2012 Commons Chamber

[Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab)]

9. What recent discussions he has had with the Director of the Serious Fraud Office about the future of that organisation.

[The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier)]

I have had many, both with the new director, Mr David Green, and with his predecessor, Mr Richard Alderman. The SFO has a bright future.

[Grahame M. Morris]

In view of the really bad press that the Serious Fraud Office has been getting of late, has the Solicitor-General had an opportunity to consider the failure of the Department for Work and Pensions properly to assess the risk of fraud at A4e and, in particular, to obtain key evidence relating to internal audit documents, as identified by the National Audit Office this week? Does he believe that there is a role for the SFO in providing specialist help to Departments?

[The Solicitor-General]

No, the Serious Fraud Office has a remit to deal with high-end fraud, international fraud and corruption. The work of the Department for Work and Pensions is a matter for the Department for Work and Pensions.