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Solicitor-General

Answer

Mr. Hawkins: To ask the Solicitor General what discussions she has had with the Attorney-General, the Home Secretary, the Lord Chancellor and the Deputy Prime Minister about the legal aspects of the fire dispute and the implications of trade union legislation when there is a risk to life. [81661] The Solicitor-General: [holding answer 19 November 2002]: The Law Officers are concerned with the legal aspects of the fire dispute in three ways. We are responsible to Parliament for the Crown Prosecution Service, which is responsible for considering whether to bring prosecutions where hoax calls have been made. We are also legal advisers to the Government. There is a long-standing convention, followed by successive Governments and reflected in the Ministerial Code, that both the content of legal advice to the Government and the fact that it has been given remains confidential. Thirdly, the Attorney General has the power to apply, when he thinks it appropriate, to the High Court for an injunction to prevent breach of the criminal law, including offences under trade union legislation. In making such decisions he acts as guardian of the public interest.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

81661; 394 c257W;394 c255W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Industrial disputes Law Fire and rescue services Trade unions Strikes Right to strike

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk