§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library the guidance issued by his Department to the diplomatic posts with regard to what action they should take if they suspect bribery by a UK company to be taking place, or receive an allegation that such bribery is taking place; and what measures they should take to prevent bribery by UK companies. [132368]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe FCO issued internal guidance on this issue to all posts shortly before the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act (ATCSA) came into force and this has been regularly refreshed. The guidance includes advice to posts about their responsibilities under the Act and instructions on how to report bribery allegations. Posts have also been asked to circulate the guidance to representatives of other government departments within their region.
Guidance on reporting bribery allegations is included in training courses for all Commercial Officers going on overseas postings. The FCO has also provided speakers to reinforce the message at seminars for British businesses in the UK and overseas. An information leaflet produced in conjunction with the Home Office and the Department of Trade and Industry is distributed at these events. Copies of this leaflet will be deposited in the Library of the House.
This specific guidance following the passage of the ATCSA complements that provided to all Crown Servants in the "Giving Evidence or Information about Suspected Crimes—A Guide for Crown Servants". This report was placed in the Library of the House on 20 March 1997 under reference dep/3/4876. It can also be accessed at website http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/../../central/2001/crownser.pdf