Clause 1 - The National Crime Agency

Part of Crime and Courts Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee at 10:45 am on 22 January 2013.

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Photo of David Burrowes David Burrowes Conservative, Enfield, Southgate 10:45, 22 January 2013

The right hon. Gentleman tempts me, because I was one of those who regularly asked questions about SOCA. One cannot hold it up as a paragon of complete openness and transparency, giving answers when questions were asked. I remember trying desperately to get answers. I eventually managed to get the privilege of a shrouded, cloak and dagger meeting with the head of SOCA, after seeking opportunities many times. It was very difficult to get answers, and I regularly had to rely only on an annual report, which did not wholly get to the truth of things. So let us hold on to a little caution as to whether there is complete openness, transparency and accountability in the present arrangements.