HC Deb 07 June 2000 vol 351 cc252-3W
Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Government intends to introduce(a) legislative and (b) other steps to meet the United Kingdom's treaty obligations in respect of prosecuting British businesses and individual business personnel who offer bribes and other unlawful inducements to obtain contracts abroad; and if he will make a statement. [124839]

Mr. Caborn

The Government are already able to comply with their relevant treaty obligations. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary plans however to set out the Government's proposals for the reform of the law of corruption shortly. The Government will look to introduce legislation as soon as a suitable opportunity arises.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations Her Majesty's Government have received from other Governments about United Kingdom action to combat the offering by British businesses and individual business personnel of bribes and other unlawful inducements in order to obtain contracts abroad; and if he will make a statement. [124838]

Mr. Caborn

The Government have received a number of representations about this issue. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary plans to set out the Government's position as part of its wider proposals for the reform of the law on corruption shortly.