Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions (a) Ministers in his Department and (b) the Financial Services Authority have had with the (i) Swiss authorities and (ii) US administration's Justice Department on the investigation of fraud, racketeering and money laundering at FIFA.

The Treasury ensures up to date, proportionate and effective regulation of banks and appoints independent supervisors such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This protects the integrity and stability of the financial system, making it a hostile environment for illicit finances, and supports law enforcement agencies in the investigation of criminal and terrorist financing.

The FCA is responsible for ensuring compliance of financial institutions with their anti-money laundering requirements. The FCA is operationally independent from Government and carries out its functions within the framework of statutory objectives and duties agreed by Parliament.

The FCA is discussing with banks whether the FIFA episode has highlighted weaknesses in their AML systems and controls.

The Serious Fraud Office is the UK agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting the most serious cases of fraud, bribery and corruption. The SFO engages regularly with its overseas counterparts, and will assist overseas investigations as appropriate.

It would not be right or appropriate for ministers to intervene in regulatory or criminal investigations.