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House
Session
Year
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Answering member
Legislative stage
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Publisher
To ask the Solicitor-General whether information obtained by the Serious Fraud Office during its investigations into BAE Systems about possible false declarations relating to (a) Romania and (b) South Africa have been passed to the Export Credits Guarantee Department.
To ask the Solicitor-General whether information obtained by the Serious Fraud Office during its investigations into BAE Systems about possible false declarations relating to (a) Romania and (b) South Africa have been passed to the Export Credits Guarantee Department.
Asked by
David Howarth
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
4 March 2010
For answer on
8 March 2010
Answered on
6 April 2010
The Serious Fraud Office has no record of passing information during its investigations into BAE Systems about possible false declarations relating to (a) Romania and (b) South Africa to the Export Credits Guarantee Department.
Subjects
BAE Systems
Date
6 April 2010
Reference
508 c1145W; 321330
House
House of Commons
To ask the Solicitor-General on what date the Serious Fraud Office guidelines on corporate prosecutions (a) were published and (b) became effective.
To ask the Solicitor-General on what date the Serious Fraud Office guidelines on corporate prosecutions (a) were published and (b) became effective.
Asked by
Lord Campbell of Pittenweem
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 March 2010
For answer on
25 March 2010
Answered on
30 March 2010
The document "Guidance on Corporate Prosecutions" was published on 6 January 2010 and came into effect on the same date.
Subjects
Fraud; Prosecutions
Date
30 March 2010
Reference
508 c860W; 324570
House
House of Commons
To ask the Solicitor-General whether the Director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has classified MW Kellogg as a self-reporting company under the SFO's Approach to Dealing with Overseas Corruption issued in July 2009.
To ask the Solicitor-General whether the Director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has classified MW Kellogg as a self-reporting company under the SFO's Approach to Dealing with Overseas Corruption issued in July 2009.
Asked by
Lord Campbell of Pittenweem
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 March 2010
For answer on
29 March 2010
Answered on
29 March 2010
The Serious Fraud Office does not confirm or deny the existence of such classification in any particular case it may be investigating.
Subjects
Serious Fraud Office; MW Kellogg
Date
29 March 2010
Reference
508 c612W; 324647
House
House of Commons
To ask the Solicitor-General whether any information obtained by the Serious Fraud Office during its investigations into BAE Systems has been passed to the relevant authorities in other jurisdictions; and if she will make a statement.
To ask the Solicitor-General whether any information obtained by the Serious Fraud Office during its investigations into BAE Systems has been passed to the relevant authorities in other jurisdictions; and if she will make a statement.
Asked by
David Howarth
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
4 March 2010
For answer on
8 March 2010
Answered on
18 March 2010
The Serious Fraud Office has provided assistance to overseas investigations while ensuring the UK national security interests are protected.
Subjects
BAE Systems
Date
18 March 2010
Reference
507 c1016W; 321329
House
House of Commons
To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what steps she plans to take in response to the Stern Review on the handling of rape cases.
To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what steps she plans to take in response to the Stern Review on the handling of rape cases.
Asked by
Julie Morgan
(Labour)
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Answering body
Minister for Women and Equalities
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
15 March 2010
For answer on
18 March 2010
Answered on
18 March 2010
The Government welcome Baroness Stern's report of her review which recognises the significant improvements made since 1997, but also identifies where more remains to be done to build on this progress.The Department has published an interim government response and will carefully consider the 23 recommendations in the report before publishing a fuller response later this year.Rapists must know that they will not get away with it, whatever the circumstances. They stand a more than one in two chance of conviction.
Subjects
Rape Complaints Review
Date
18 March 2010
Reference
507 c994W; 322780
House
House of Commons
To ask The Solicitor-General whether the Serious Fraud Office has provided assistance to overseas investigations into the affairs of BAE Systems as they relate to the al-Yamamah defence contract with the Government of Saudi Arabia.
To ask The Solicitor-General whether the Serious Fraud Office has provided assistance to overseas investigations into the affairs of BAE Systems as they relate to the al-Yamamah defence contract with the Government of Saudi Arabia.
Asked by
Lord Campbell of Pittenweem
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
19 February 2010
For answer on
23 February 2010
Answered on
18 March 2010
The Serious Fraud Office has provided assistance to overseas investigations while ensuring the UK national security interests are protected.
Subjects
BAE Systems
Date
18 March 2010
Reference
507 c1016W; 318078
House
House of Commons
To ask the Solicitor-General how many (a) disciplinary and (b) capability procedures have been (i) initiated and (ii) completed in the Law Officers' Departments in each of the last five years; how much time on average was taken to complete each type of procedure in each such year; how many...
To ask the Solicitor-General how many (a) disciplinary and (b) capability procedures have been (i) initiated and (ii) completed in the Law Officers' Departments in each of the last five years; how much time on average was taken to complete each type of procedure in each such year; how many...
Asked by
Barry Gardiner
(Labour)
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 March 2010
For answer on
3 March 2010
Answered on
18 March 2010
No member of HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, National Fraud Authority or the Attorney-General's Office has been subject to formal discipline in the past five years.In respect of the Serious Fraud Office and Treasury Solicitors there have been fewer than five dismissals in any single year during this period, and this information is therefore suppressed on the grounds of confidentiality.The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Revenue and Customs Prosecution Service (RCPO) have not maintained records in relation to average time taken to complete each procedure. Records are only available from 2007.Table 1 shows (a) the number of formal disciplinary actions (i) initiated and (ii) completed in each of the relevant years, the proportion of staff subject to the procedures, and the number of resulting dismissals on disciplinary grounds. Table 2 shows the number of (b) formal capability procedures (i) initiated and (ii) completed in each of the relevant years, the proportion of staff subject to the procedures, and the number of resulting dismissals on disciplinary grounds.
| Table 1: Disciplinary cases—CPS and RCPO combined | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number and percentage of formal disciplinary actions initiated within the CPS and RCPO | Number and percentage of formal disciplinary actions completed within the CPS and RCPO | How many and what proportions of procedure resulted in dismissal within the CPS and RCPO | ||||
| Number | Percentage staff | Number | Percentage staff | Number | Percentage | |
| 2007 | 56 | 0.6 | 56 | 0.6 | 5 | 8.92 |
| 2008 | 56 | 0.63 | 56 | 0.63 | 4 | 7.14 |
| 2009 | 38 | 0.41 | 36 | 0.39 | 5 | 13.16 |
| Table 2: Capability cases—CPS and RCPO combined¹ | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number and percentage of formal capability (performance) actions initiated within the CPS and RCPO | Number and percentage of formal capability (performance) actions completed within the CPS and RCPO | How many and what proportions of procedure resulted in dismissal within the CPS and RCPO | ||||
| Number | Percentage staff | Number | Percentage staff | Number | Percentage | |
| 2008 | 12 | 0.13 | 10 | 0.11 | 2 | 18.2 |
| 2009 | 11 | 0.12 | 11 | 0.12 | 2 | 18.18 |
| ¹ In 2007 there were fewer than five cases so information has not been provided so as to protect staff confidentiality. |
Subjects
Disciplinary proceedings; Solicitor General
Date
18 March 2010
Reference
507 c1016-8W; 320627
House
House of Commons
To ask the Solicitor-General what steps each Law Officers' Department is taking to deter theft from within it.
To ask the Solicitor-General what steps each Law Officers' Department is taking to deter theft from within it.
Asked by
Lord Watson of Wyre Forest
(Labour)
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 March 2010
For answer on
15 March 2010
Answered on
18 March 2010
All of the Law Officers' Departments have extensive security measures in place to prevent theft and security within their organisations. Specific security policies are as outlined:Attorney General's OfficePhysical security measures are in place to protect against unauthorised access to the building, and all visitors are escorted by a permanent member of staff while on the premises. The building is guarded 24 hours a day and we have provided lockable cabinets to all staff to secure valuables and papers.The Serious Fraud OfficeSecurity procedures are in place to deter and protect against theft. These measures include lockable pedestals, a clear desk policy, locked safes, secure access controlled rooms, 24 hour guarding and CCTV to assist with prevention, detection and response.The National Fraud Authority (NFA)NFA internal control of its finances, people and organisation, includes the vetting of potential staff as part of its recruitment process. NFA also ensures all relevant policies are fully publicised so that staff are kept aware of their responsibilities and duties in respect of security issues.The agency's arrangements to deter and detect internal theft are overseen by its head of finance and internal and external auditors, and a disciplinary framework exists to deal with any malpractice or criminal offence.Security procedures are in place to deter and protect against theft. These measures include, secure access, twenty four hour guarding and CCTV.The Crown Prosecution ServiceDeters theft by maintaining strong internal controls, which include a policy on fraud, a code of conduct for staff and training on all aspects of security including physical security and theft prevention. In addition all office buildings are secure and visitors and contractors are supervised on site. Contracted staff must all pass the appropriate security vetting regime.Treasury Solicitors (TSol)TSol has perimeter security at the entrance points to the building. All doors to the floors occupied by TSol are fitted with a card access system to prevent unauthorised access. All visitors are required to sign in at the main reception and wear visitor passes. Visitors are escorted to and from reception.Induction briefings covering security issues are also mandatory for all new starters, including staff contractors, consultants and temporary staff. In addition TSol operates a clear desk policy, which ensures all cabinets are securely locked at the end of the working day.HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI)Both office sites are secure buildings with appropriate precautions to minimise the risk of theft by contractors or other visitors. These include perimeter security at the entrance points to the building, card access systems, a clear desk policy and staff awareness training.
Subjects
Theft; Solicitor General
Date
18 March 2010
Reference
507 c1017-8W; 322661
House
House of Commons
To ask the Solicitor-General (1) what the total cost to the Serious Fraud Office was of the recently-settled case against BAE Systems;
To ask the Solicitor-General (1) what the total cost to the Serious Fraud Office was of the recently-settled case against BAE Systems;
Asked by
David Howarth
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 February 2010
For answer on
24 February 2010
Answered on
16 March 2010
The SFO has not yet assessed the costs involved since proceedings have not concluded.
Subjects
Fraud; BAE Systems
Date
16 March 2010
Reference
507 c730W; 318575
House
House of Commons
(2) what estimate she has made of the total cost to the Serious Fraud Office of its investigations into BAE Systems to date.
(2) what estimate she has made of the total cost to the Serious Fraud Office of its investigations into BAE Systems to date.
Asked by
David Howarth
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 February 2010
For answer on
24 February 2010
Answered on
16 March 2010
The SFO has not yet assessed the costs involved since proceedings have not concluded.
Subjects
Fraud; BAE Systems
Date
16 March 2010
Reference
507 c730W; 318576
House
House of Commons
To ask the Solicitor-General how many staff in the Law Officers' Departments have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days in two or more of the last three years.
To ask the Solicitor-General how many staff in the Law Officers' Departments have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days in two or more of the last three years.
Asked by
David Simpson
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 February 2010
For answer on
5 February 2010
Answered on
16 March 2010
The information requested is as follows:Crown Prosecution Service and Revenue and Customs Prosecution OfficeThe number of staff who have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days in two or more of the last three years is 131.The Serious Fraud OfficeIn the last 12 months 19 staff had five or more short term absences. The most recent available data before this (2006-07) can be found at the following link:"http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/Assets/Sickness_Absence_2006to2007_tcm6-3302.pdf"Treasury Solicitors, Attorney-General's Office and HM Crown Prosecution Inspection ServicesOver the three years 2007-09 there have been 27 people who meet the criteria above. This represents less than 3 per cent. of the total workforce.The National Fraud AuthorityThe NFA was launched in 2008-09 and no members of staff are recorded as having had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days during this period.
Subjects
Sick leave; Solicitor General
Date
16 March 2010
Reference
507 c731W; 316450
House
House of Commons
Yes, it is now. The Acton Fraud helpline started in October 2009, and it is functioning nationally, but the question is how to promote it. We need to promote it region by region, so that instead of it being inundated with complaints straight away, they come in at a rate such that it can expand to meet them. Although the helpline started in the midlands, it is now in the north-west, where my hon. Friend's constituency is, as well as the north-east, where mine is. The helpline will offer information to prosecutions, if that is practical, as well as victim support, and it will absolutely ensure that evidence of fraud brought by individuals goes into the intelligence that we use to try to wipe out fraud more broadly.
Yes, it is now. The Acton Fraud helpline started in October 2009, and it is functioning nationally, but the question is how to promote it. We need to promote it region by region, so that instead of it being inundated with complaints straight away, they come in at a rate such that it can expand to meet them. Although the helpline started in the midlands, it is now in the north-west, where my hon. Friend's constituency is, as well as the north-east, where mine is. The helpline will offer information to prosecutions, if that is practical, as well as victim support, and it will absolutely ensure that evidence of fraud brought by individuals goes into the intelligence that we use to try to wipe out fraud more broadly.
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Asked by
Rosie Cooper
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Oral answers to questions
Can the Solicitor-General tell me whether the Action Fraud helpline is up and running in my area, and say precisely how it will help my constituents who have been the victims of fraud?
Subjects
Fraud
Date
11 March 2010
Reference
507 c418
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Yes, there is a relationship already between asset recovery, in a broad and not technical sense, and a premium on that, as it were, for the organisation that has recovered the assets. The issue is one that we are looking at, in order to ensure that, in the criminal sense as it were, the polluter pays.
Yes, there is a relationship already between asset recovery, in a broad and not technical sense, and a premium on that, as it were, for the organisation that has recovered the assets. The issue is one that we are looking at, in order to ensure that, in the criminal sense as it were, the polluter pays.
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Asked by
Hugh Bayley
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Oral answers to questions
The SFO needs more money to investigate and prosecute bribery cases. The Solicitor-General will have seen that BAE Systems was required to pay $400 million to the US Department of Justice in relation to the al-Yamamah case. Will she consider how financial penalties paid in such cases in the UK could be used to fund the cost of enforcing the law against bribery?
Subjects
Corruption
Date
11 March 2010
Reference
507 c419-20
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Yes, I am sure that is something that should be thoroughly commended, as part of a pattern of co-operative behaviour that is reflected across the UK these days.
Yes, I am sure that is something that should be thoroughly commended, as part of a pattern of co-operative behaviour that is reflected across the UK these days.
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Cormack
(Conservative)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Oral answers to questions
In the context of asset recovery, will the hon. and learned Lady warmly commend the co-operation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Garda Siochana, which are working increasingly closely together to combat all forms of crime, in all parts of the island of Ireland?
Subjects
Corruption
Date
11 March 2010
Reference
507 c420
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The SFO puts a premium on ensuring that money is repaid to victims whenever possible. Sometimes, however, it is not practical to identify where money has come from. On some occasions it has come from organisations, and is returned to them; on others, it comes into the public purse. When dealing with assets recovery, the SFO's intention is, first and foremost, to ensure repayment to identifiable victims.
The SFO puts a premium on ensuring that money is repaid to victims whenever possible. Sometimes, however, it is not practical to identify where money has come from. On some occasions it has come from organisations, and is returned to them; on others, it comes into the public purse. When dealing with assets recovery, the SFO's intention is, first and foremost, to ensure repayment to identifiable victims.
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Asked by
John Robertson
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Oral answers to questions
My hon. and learned Friend and I both served on all 39 sittings of the Standing Committee on the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. It was never stated in those deliberations that the money had to go back to the victims. Why has only £4 million of that £9 million gone back to the victims? Does that meet their needs and reflect how much they lost in the first place?
Subjects
Fraud; Proceeds of crime
Date
11 March 2010
Reference
507 c421
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The conviction rate from charge to conviction is 58 per cent., which represents a significant increase on what the rate has been historically. By analogy, 65 per cent. is the conviction rate for robbery. There is obviously still room for improvement, but things are going in the right direction. It is imperative that we send out a message that rapists are now being convicted at that rate, so that women—and, indeed, men—have the confidence to report, and do not feel that they will be put through the mill again. There is still a large drop-out rate between complaint and getting to court, but we are trying to tackle that in a range of ways. We now have 30 sexual assault referral centres, and a whole phalanx of independent sexual violence advisers who befriend and support a complainant from the minute they come to the police until the end of the case. This gives the complainant better sustenance than they would have had before.
The conviction rate from charge to conviction is 58 per cent., which represents a significant increase on what the rate has been historically. By analogy, 65 per cent. is the conviction rate for robbery. There is obviously still room for improvement, but things are going in the right direction. It is imperative that we send out a message that rapists are now being convicted at that rate, so that women—and, indeed, men—have the confidence to report, and do not feel that they will be put through the mill again. There is still a large drop-out rate between complaint and getting to court, but we are trying to tackle that in a range of ways. We now have 30 sexual assault referral centres, and a whole phalanx of independent sexual violence advisers who befriend and support a complainant from the minute they come to the police until the end of the case. This gives the complainant better sustenance than they would have had before.
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Asked by
Jim Cunningham
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Oral answers to questions
How does the number of reported rapes compare with the number of convictions for rape?
Subjects
Criminal proceedings; Prosecutions; Rape
Date
11 March 2010
Reference
507 c420
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I am not sure what input the hon. Gentleman is getting, but I would be pleased if he could forward to me the comments that he says back up his question. It does not seem to me that the plea bargaining structures, which is the point he started with, impinge very strongly on any statutory framework, but, as I said, I would be pleased to hear. The various agencies tackling fraud—the SFO, the CPS fraud section and the NFA—work together very closely, and where there is evidence of potential or historical overlap, they work consistently and as quickly as they can to remove it and ensure a streamlined approach.
I am not sure what input the hon. Gentleman is getting, but I would be pleased if he could forward to me the comments that he says back up his question. It does not seem to me that the plea bargaining structures, which is the point he started with, impinge very strongly on any statutory framework, but, as I said, I would be pleased to hear. The various agencies tackling fraud—the SFO, the CPS fraud section and the NFA—work together very closely, and where there is evidence of potential or historical overlap, they work consistently and as quickly as they can to remove it and ensure a streamlined approach.
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Asked by
Jonathan Djanogly
(Conservative)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Oral answers to questions
We are actually receiving independent reports that the framework is not fit for purpose. What assurances can the Solicitor-General provide that the SFO is developing its flexible case criteria to minimise growing concern about overlap with other counter-fraud organisations, and has she considered a unified agency?
Subjects
Fraud
Date
11 March 2010
Reference
507 c418
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I would have to write to the hon. Gentleman with precise figures, but I am sure that sometimes plea negotiations take place. Sometimes a complainant is not very keen to carry on with a prosecution, and some lesser verdict might none the less put the man on the sex offenders register and fire a shot across his bows, as it were. However, if the hon. Gentleman wants detailed figures, I will write to him with them.
I would have to write to the hon. Gentleman with precise figures, but I am sure that sometimes plea negotiations take place. Sometimes a complainant is not very keen to carry on with a prosecution, and some lesser verdict might none the less put the man on the sex offenders register and fire a shot across his bows, as it were. However, if the hon. Gentleman wants detailed figures, I will write to him with them.
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Asked by
David Simpson
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Type
Oral answers to questions
How prevalent is the practice of plea bargaining across the United Kingdom in relation to rape or serious sexual attacks?
Subjects
Prosecutions; Rape
Date
11 March 2010
Reference
507 c416
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What recent guidance the Law Officers' Departments have issued to Government Departments on the legal rights of local authorities undertaking joint venture property investments.
What recent guidance the Law Officers' Departments have issued to Government Departments on the legal rights of local authorities undertaking joint venture property investments.
Asked by
Andrew Pelling
(Independent (affiliation))
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 March 2010
For answer on
11 March 2010
Answered on
11 March 2010
By long-standing convention observed by successive Administrations and embodied in the ministerial code, the fact that the Law Officers have or have not advised on a particular issue, and the content of any advice, are not disclosed outside Government.
Subjects
Government departments; Legal opinion
Date
11 March 2010
Reference
507 c421; 321523
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What recent discussions she has had with the Crown Prosecution Service on the prosecution of cases involving allegations of rape.
What recent discussions she has had with the Crown Prosecution Service on the prosecution of cases involving allegations of rape.
Asked by
Madeleine Moon
(Labour)
Answered by
Vera Baird
(Labour)
Answering body
Solicitor General
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 March 2010
For answer on
11 March 2010
Answered on
11 March 2010
I have frequent discussions with the Director of Public Prosecutions about the prosecution of rape cases. He is at the start of a national programme of visits across the entire service, a primary focus of which will be discussing with front-line staff cases involving violence against women and rape. The notion now is that we know what good practice is, but it needs to be spread consistently across the country.
Subjects
Prosecutions; Rape
Date
11 March 2010
Reference
507 c415-6; 321514
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons