If the powers were to be extended, they would be the subject of another statutory instrument and would, therefore, be brought to your Lordships’ attention, if not through noble Lords’ perspicacity, but via the Times. Perhaps I may continue.
Concern has been expressed over local authorities having these powers. But, for example, trading standards officers who are members of local authority staff already investigate intellectual property crime. This is not small beer. This is a lucrative business for criminals, which includes pirated DVDs, clothing, electrical equipment and so on. The most recent Intellectual Property Crime Report suggests that the criminal gain for intellectual property crime is around £1.3 billion in 2006. These powers are, therefore, an important addition to local authorities in their fight against crime.
Further, we are encouraging the use of these powers against all levels of crime. One of noble Lords’ concerns was regarding the fare dodger or the person who does not pay council tax. These are areas where, initially, the civil law is involved. The issue here is criminality, so there has to be a proposal to involve the criminal law. Currently, there are 1,282 AFIs: 621 are employed by police forces or are non-warranted police officers; 354 comprise Serious Organised Crime Agency staff; 107 are in local authorities; and some 200 are in other public bodies. We are adding four new bodies to the list of 22 which the noble Baroness kindly listed—the Gambling Commission, VOSA, Transport for London, and the Intellectual Property Office. We expect that to increase the number of AFIs by six people.
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Financial Investigators) (Amendment) Order 2009
Proceeding contribution from
Lord Brett
(Labour)
in the House of Lords on Monday, 7 December 2009.
It occurred during Debates on delegated legislation on Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Financial Investigators) (Amendment) Order 2009.
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2009-10Chamber / Committee
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