The Conservative-led council confirmed it had referred Mr Brown's comments to the police under the Bribery Act 2010 and its own policy on fraud, theft and anti-corruption.

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Conservative led East Devon District Council referred Mr Brown's comments to the police under the Bribery Act 2010 and its own policy on fraud, theft and anti-corruption.

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The 1889 act, which was repealed when the Bribery Act 2010 came into effect, outlawed the bribery of a member, officer or a servant of a public body.

BBC: Sir Cyril Smith