Bribery of Foreign Public Officials

HL Deb 26 June 2000 vol 614 cc55-6WA

Baroness Whitaker

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will give an undertaking at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Ministers' meeting on 26 June to prepare legislation immediately to outlaw bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions. [HL2844]

The Minister for Science, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)

As my right honourable friend the Minister for Trade will report at the OECD ministerial meeting, the Government are already able to comply with their relevant treaty obligations. My right honourable friend the Home Secretary set out, on 20 June, the Government's proposals for the reform of the law of corruption; these proposals take account, among other issues, of the UK's international obligations. The Government will look to introduce legislation as soon as a suitable opportunity arises.