Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill

I hear what the hon. Gentleman says, but we already have the legislative framework that allows us to pursue directors who are grossly negligent. The downside to the benefit of providing an umbrella and blanket approach is the burden that it would place on all the good companies that conduct themselves properly. That is a serious consideration about which the Government and directors’ groups are concerned. I was about to cite a previous Home Secretary who felt that such a provision"““would increase regulatory burdens, stifle entrepreneurial activity or create a risk averse culture””." That would drive good directors out of high risk companies and, potentially, good companies out of this country.