7
3. Turning to the future, Mr Cater expressed concern against the growing criticism from a number of sources, including the Junior Police Officers Association, directed at the Complaints Against the Police Office. This Office, in Mr Cater's view, held the key to future success and he believed its hand would be considerably strengthened if the reforms of the CID suggested by Mr Crane were to be implemented. The major difficulty facing any investigation of the CID was an almost total lack of know-
ledge of how it worked and the first thing therefore was to
place it under proper control.
4. Outside the Police Force, Mr Cater felt that ICAC's activities had been possibly even more successful, particularly in the private sector. The major area of corruption had been in "secret commissions" offered by agents to would-be purchasers
and Mr Cater expressed his appreciation for the support he had received from foreign principals in this respect.
5.
Other Government Departments, notably the Public Works Department, still gave cause for concern. However, Mr Cater emphasised that over two thirds of all prosecutions originating
from ICAC involved Civil Servants other than the Police. There
was, however, no indication at present of organised syndicates
within the Civil Service and little evidence of corruption having led to any danger to the public. Mr Cater placed great reliance.
on the work of the Government Tender Board in preventing corruption in the awarding of contracts. He felt that added insurance could be provided by the setting up of administrative auditing teams within Government Departments to carry out spot
checks.
6. Lord Goronwy-Roberts asked Mr Cater if he would arrange a further meeting during August so that they could discuss his new role as Chief Secretary. Lord Goronwy-Roberts expressed the hope that as Chief Secretary Mr Cater would continue to take a keen and close involvement in anti-corruption measures. Mr Cater explained that the Commissioner Against Corruption was required to report
/direct
F
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.