§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken, following Mr. Jack Lacey's visit to Plasma Technology, to ensure that United States authorities are aware of Her Majesty's Government's views on United States officials visiting firms in the United Kingdom on official business, without first informing and seeking the approval of the United Kingdom Government.
§ Mr. RifkindThere are no restrictions on visits by United States officials to British companies on official business, provided they keep within British law; they need not inform or seek our approval. However, the United States authorities are aware of our view that United States officials should visit firms in the United Kingdom for the purpose of investigating possible breaches of United States laws only with the agreement of the appropriate United Kingdom Government Department.