To ask the Solicitor-General how many cases were added to the register of referrals for overseas corruption allegations in each of the last five years for which there are records; and how many (a) have been and (b) are being investigated. (178825)

The Serious Fraud Office have had 123 allegations recorded on the register of referrals for overseas corruption in the last five years. Of these, (a) two allegations were closed after investigation while (b) 18 continue to be investigated. A number of other allegations are being researched to establish whether an investigation is merited.

To ask the Solicitor-General how many cases appeared on the Serious Fraud Office's register of referrals on the latest date for which figures are available; and how many such cases were investigated in each of the last five years. (192837)

The Serious Fraud Office had 145 cases recorded on the register of referrals for overseas corruption on 30 April 2008—the latest date for which figures are available. In the last five full calendar years¹ a total of 25 investigations were opened by UK agencies, four in 2003, six in each of 2004 and 2005, and four each in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Three investigations have been begun to date during 2008. A number of other allegations are being researched to establish whether an investigation is merited.

¹ Answer given within calendar years.