asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions arising from business activities in the City of London were begun in each of the years 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986; and if he will make a statement.

I understand from the Commissioner of Police for the City of London that the available information, which relates to fraud, is as follows:

Prosecutions in the City of London arising from investigations.commenced by the Metropolitan and City Police Company Fraud Department 1983–86
	Number
1983	20
1984	31
1985	37
1986	20

The steps we are taking, including the new powers in the Financial Services Act, the establishment of the serious fraud office and other measures in response to the report of the Fraud Trials Committee (chaired by Lord Roskill) are evidence of our determination to tackle business and financial crime energetically and effectively.