Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 4 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Harman (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Solicitor-General

Question: To ask the Solicitor General, how many cases of overseas corruption the Serious Fraud Office is (a) investigating and (b) vetting; and if she will make a statement. - Inc fig ures.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Solicitor-General how many cases of overseas corruption the Serious Fraud Office is (a) investigating and (b) vetting; and if she will make a statement. [197173] The Solicitor-General: The Serious Fraud Office is currently conducting two investigations where allegations of overseas corruption constitute an element of the case. A further 11 referrals where allegations of overseas corruption may constitute an element of the referral are currently subject to the SFO's vetting process. It is not known at present which, or if any, of these cases will be accepted for investigation by the SFO. The SFO is committed to investigating such allegations where the acceptance criteria of the SFO are met. In such cases the SFO will prosecute the offence or offences that are best supported evidentially, and best represent the conduct of the suspects.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 426 c957-8W;426 c961-2W; 197173
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Criminal investigation Corruption Cooperation International cooperation Vetting Serious Fraud Office
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk