Directors back Corporate Manslaughter Bill

8 March 2006

The introduction of an offence of Corporate Manslaughter moved a step closer today as the Government responded to a crucial report by MPs. The move was welcomed by the Institute of Directors (IoD) who said that after five years of discussion a key hurdle had now been cleared, allowing a draft Bill to be introduced into Parliament. 

The IoD said it generally agreed with the Government’s response to the Joint Report of the Home Affairs and Work and Pensions Committees. The Government appear to have heeded the IoD’s advice that the offence should be limited to prosecution of the organisation for manslaughter, and not any individual. However, the Government should take up the Report’s  recommendation to further limit the public sector bodies exempted from liability. This has long been argued for by the business organisation.

Patricia Peter, Head of Corporate Governance at the IoD, said:

 “We are glad the Government have rejected one of the recommendations of the Joint Committee, namely the proposal that individuals could be prosecuted as well as the organisation.

“However, we urge the Government not to allow any exemptions for public bodies from a Corporate Manslaughter offence. The performance of services or actions is no different in the public to the private sector. “

The IoD said it believed, overall, the Home Office now had the opportunity to put forward legislation that will fill a gap in criminal law by creating a workable offence of Corporate Manslaughter.