§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if new legislation concerning corruption and money laundering will make bribery of a foreign official a crime; and if bribery of a foreign person who is not a foreign Government official will remain legal. [4400]
§ Mr. Bob AinsworthOur corruption legislation applies to both the public and the private sector and makes it an offence for a person in this country to bribe someone who is an agent for another person. The term "agent" is defined to include someone who is employed by, or acts for, another irrespective of their nationality. Thus it is unlawful in this country to bribe a foreign agent. The definition of the term "agent" also includes a person serving under the Crown or any local or public authority. The planned legislation on corruption will make it clear that the offence extends to a person acting on behalf of a foreign Government.
It is also proposed to take jurisdiction over United Kingdom nationals who commit corrupt acts abroad.