§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their policy regarding the prosecution of British companies which use bribery or other improper financial inducements to obtain foreign business opportunities or benefits; and what guidance they have given to British companies on the subject. [HL1407]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleWe condemn involvement in corrupt practices. Since 2002, UK officials have held presentations and seminars for UK companies on UK bribery and corruption issues in several locations in the UK and overseas. Guidance for UK companies is available from a number of sources including the FCO, DTI and UK trade and investment websites. A copy of a joint FCO/UKTI leaflet with the titleBribery and Corruption Law is already available in the Library of the House. The decision to prosecute rests with the Crown Prosecution Service in accordance with the tests outlined within the code for Crown Prosecutors.
§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied that British companies have not during the past two years used bribery or other improper financial inducements to obtain foreign business opportunities or benefits. [HL1408]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleThe UK took extraterritorial jurisdiction on bribery offences on 14 February 2002. Since then, I can confirm that the law enforcement authorities have received a number of allegations and have instigated two investigations.