The UK's Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is seeking new snooping powers as it attempts to crack down on unfair business practices.

The competition watchdog has asked to be allowed to secretly follow suspect businessmen and track the e-mails and telephone calls they make.

The requested powers are in addition to the Enterprise Bill, which is currently passing through parliament.

The main body of the Bill would make price fixing a criminal offence, and unscrupulous chief executives could end up behind bars.

Also under the proposals, politicians would be removed from the merger approval process, giving trade watchdogs the ultimate say over such decisions.

Harmful influence?

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), has already said that some of the changes will be harmful to British industry.

The CBI fears that the UK will be subjected to tougher new laws while its European competitors are still allowed a freer rein.

The anti-cartel measures are similar to those operated in the US and are designed to crack down on price fixing.

The Enterprise Bill is aimed at driving competition into the economy and creating a true enterprise culture.

Parliament will now debate whether to grant the OFT its desired surveillance powers.