Wednesday, January 30, 1974
He will examine the practices and procedures of department and
public bodies to make corruption more difficult; advise anyone, whether
inside or outside the government, on the best ways of eliminating corruption;
advise heads of government departments and public bodies of changes in
practices and procedure; as well as educate the public and enlist its support.
While he is expected to concentrate his work initially on government
departments, it will also be part of his duty to examine undesirable practices in public bodies and private businesses, "which, we should not forgot, are
also said to suffer from corruption to a disturbing degree," Mr. Roberts anid.
Other provisions of the bill empower officers of the Commission to arrest and detain up to 48 hours persons reasonably suspected of committing
corruption offences,
AG to officers of the Commission themselves, the Commissioner
will be able to terminate the services of an officer immediately without
giving any reason if there is any suspicion of his loyalty or integrity,
or doubt as to his energy and efficiency in work.
However if an officer is, seconded to the Commission from the government service, he will be reverted to the government until he is dealt with by the usual disciplinary rules which apply to public officers.
In moving the second reading of the Prevention of Bribery (Amendment)
Bill, the Colonial Secretary explained that it aimed at giving effect to
recommendations made by Sir Alastair Blair-Kerr in his second report for
changes in the law relating to corruption.
In addition, it aimed at transferring the investigatory powers conferred by the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance to the Commissioner or investigating officers of the Independent Commission Against Corruption as
appropriate,
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