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Written question asked by Nick Smith (Labour) on Thursday, 10 January 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 January 2019. It was answered by Jesse Norman (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 January 2019 on behalf of the Department for Transport.


Volkswagen

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department is taking steps to ensure that legal action is pursued against Volkswagen executives regarding that company's emissions scandal.

Answer

Volkswagen's behaviour in installing defeat devices in its vehicles has been entirely unacceptable. Taking criminal action against Volkswagen is complex given that in legal terms the wrongdoing appears to have taken place outside the UK. It is for the German Government in the first instance to prosecute.

For this reason, it would be inappropriate to carry out a separate parallel UK criminal investigation. The Department reserves the option to do so, however, based on the evidence from any German prosecution.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
207177
Session
2017-19
Related items
Volkswagen
Tuesday, 12 February 2019
Written questions
House of Commons
Volkswagen
Tuesday, 12 February 2019
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Civil proceedings Exhaust emissions Volkswagen
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk