Written question asked by Hugh Bayley (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 December 2003. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 December 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what advice has been given and on what dates to UK embassies, high commissions and other diplomatic posts abroad about the need to report information about possible cases of international bribery and corruption by UK citizens and companies; which posts have reported cases; on how many occasions; and how many of those reports have been followed up by investigations by UK law enforcement agencies. - Inc ref to 15 October 2003, 411 c264W and 28 October 2003, 412 c181W.

Answer: Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice has been given and on what dates to UK embassies, high commissions and other diplomatic posts abroad about the need to report information about possible cases of international bribery and corruption by UK citizens and companies; which posts have reported cases; on how many occasions; and how many of those reports have been followed up by investigations by UK law enforcement agencies. [141108] Mr. MacShane: I refer my hon. Friend to the replies I gave the hon. Member for Ceredigion (Simon Thomas) on 15 and 28 October respectively, Official Report, columns 264W and 181W. The guidance telegrams referred to there were issued in January 2002, February 2002 and March 2003. We cannot comment on individual reports received in order not to prejudice criminal investigations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 141108; 415 c513W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Companies British nationality Corruption Diplomatic service Fraud Public service
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk