HC Deb 07 July 1997 vol 297 c363W
30. Mr. Laxton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans to make bribery of hon. Members an offence. [5539]

Mr. Michael

The Government are committed to tackling corruption in all areas of public and private life, including the bribery of hon. Members.

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary published on 9 June a statement on reform of the corruption statutes for consultation. A copy is available in the Library. The Law Commission will be producing proposals for reform of the law in this area later in the year.

He will consider carefully the results of all of these exercises, together with any further recommendations which the Nolan Committee may make in relation to the criminal law.

He expects to make a further statement on the reform of the law in this area early next year.