HC Deb 23 December 1982 vol 34 c643W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Minister for Trade what action has been taken by his Department in respect of collusive tendering since May 1979.

Dr. Vaughan

In July 1980 my Department issued a consultation document on whether collusive tendering should be made a criminal offence. As my predecessor, the then Minister for Consumer Affairs, told the House on 16 March 1981, views were sharply divided on the desirability and likely effectiveness of doing so. Since then my Department has considered the matter further and has been advised that collusive tendering almost certainly falls within the scope of the existing criminal offence of conspiracy to defraud. In the light of this I have concluded that it would not be appropriate to introduce legislation to create a new criminal offence.

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