§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement indicating measures taken by Her Majesty's Government since 1979 to improve the standards of conduct in public life.
§ Mr. BrittanAction has already been taken on those recommendations of the Royal Commission on the standards of conduct in public life (Cmnd. 6524) not requiring legislation. The current Police and Criminal Evidence Bill will give the police increased powers to obtain judicial authority to inspect financial records in cases of suspected corruption. I have also decided in principle to increase the maximum penalty on conviction of corruption.