§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further measures she plans to take to tackle corruption in the arms trade involving UK individuals and companies; and if she will make a statement. [58750]
§ Nigel GriffithsWe view corruption in the arms trade as seriously, as corruption in any other field of commerce.
The UK signed up to the OECD Convention On Combating Bribery Of Foreign Public Officials In International Business Transactions in December 1997. The UK will continue to work with OECD countries and others to extend and deepen international commitments designed to stamp out bribery.
The Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act (2001), which came into effect on 14 February 2002, allows the UK authorities to prosecute UK citizens and companies for bribery even when the act takes place abroad, and made explicit that the legislation covered foreign public officials.