HC Deb 10 July 1997 vol 297 c609W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to enable the National Audit Office to investigate the use made of public funds after they have been paid to contractors where there is suspicion that commissions have been improperly paid; if he will authorise research into the powers available for this purpose in the United States; and if he will make a statement. [6683]

Dawn Primarolo

The Government has no plans to introduce legislation in this area, and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has no plans to make a statement. Any question of illegality would be a matter for the responsible authorities. Officials in my Department will look at the situation in the United States in this respect as the hon. Member suggests.