§ Mr. Hopkinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, 701W in view of recent decisions of the courts, immediate steps will be taken to introduce a Bill to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act in such a way as to render it more capable of effecting its objects.
§ Mr. PeakeOffences under the Prevention of Corruption Acts, 1889 to 1916, are defined in comprehensive terms. In particular it is provided by Section 2 of the 1916 Act that any money, gift, or other consideration paid or given to or received by any person in the employment of His Majesty or a Government Department or a public body by or from a person, or agent of a person, seeking to obtain a contract, shall be deemed to have been paid, given and received corruptly unless the contrary is proved. The Home Office has at present no information to suggest that the statutory provisions are inadequate, but if my hon. Friend has any suggestions for the amendment of the law on this subject perhaps he would be good enough to forward them for consideration.