Select Committee on Standards and Privileges Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence


Annexes

FILE NOTE
ALLEGED CORRUPTION RE BEAUMONT LEYS

On Monday 25 April 1994 I saw Councillor Soulsby in relation to his letter to me dated 22 April. I advised him that I did not think there was sufficient substance in what was being said to justify referring the matter to the Police. The allegations would be serious and it would be irresponsible to institute an investigation unless the organisations or people concerned came forward with complaints and/or evidence. Councillor Soulsby agreed that this was most unlikely. In my view, we should not start what would be a messy fight on a most insubstantial foundation.

I said I would talk to my Police contact but would not mention any names.

APPJ/JSO/CON/7
28 April 1994


FILE NOTE
ALLEGATIONS RE BEAUMONT LEYS PLANNING PROPOSALS

Today (27 April) I spoke to *** of the *** CID regarding Councillor Soulsby's letter to me of 22 April. I explained the background, making a point of not naming the people involved in the allegations. I also explained that there was no hard evidence or even anyone likely to stand up and be counted with regard to the allegations of corruption. In those circumstances, I thought it might be counterproductive to set a hare running and investigations conducted when the likelihood was that nothing would result, but there could be considerable embarrassment. I would keep my ear to the ground and, if anything firmer emerged, I would speak to *** again. At this stage, I was suggesting that no action be pursued.

*** agreed. He, too, felt that there were risks in pursuing any investigation, given the lack of any real evidence. He indicated that there was always the possibility of people's motives being less than clear in cases of this kind.

APPJ/JSO/CON/7
28 April 1994


 
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