TNAG-0405-FCO40-451-Allegations-of-bribery-and-corruption-in-the-Hong-Kong-polic-1973 — Page 91

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9) Dd.032652 3m 2/67 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION

for WRITTEN answer 25 June 1973

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bong Kong

The draft reply should- reach the Parliamentary Office through your Under-Secretary by

WI

len Monday 25/6

La Mr James Johnson (Kingston-upon-Hull, West): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, why the Hong Kong Government have not sought the return to the Crown Colony of Chief Superintendent. Poter Godber, now in the United Kingdom, for whom a warrant has been issued in the Colony in connection with inquiries involving the prevention of bribery ordinance; and if he will make a statement.

The offence alleged against Mr Godber, and for which

a warrant has now been issued in Hong Kong, is that

he was in control of pecuniary resources disproportionate

to his salary as a police officer. This is an offence

under Section 10 of the Hong Kong Prevention of Bribery

Ordinance. There is no corresponding offence in this

country.

Consequently the Hong Kong Government are

not able at this moment to seek his return under the

Fugitive Offenders Act. Police inquiries in Hong Kong

are, however, continuing. This case demonstrates the

Hong Kong Government's concern to investigate possible

cases of corruption at all levels.