A Financial Times investigation has revealed that allegations of bribery and corruption by British companies and individuals are far more common that parliamentary answers would suggest.

Since February 2002, when a new law came into force making legal action easier, more than 20 allegations have been registered by government agencies.

The National Criminal Intelligence Service has received 17 allegations, four times more the number given in a parliamentary written answer last October.  A further six allegations have been logged with the Ministry of Defence.