HC Deb 16 December 1998 vol 322 cc574-5W
Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which overseas countries the Minister for Sport has visited as part of his ministerial duties since 1 May 1997; and when. [63425]

Mr. Banks

[holding answer 14 December 1998]: The rules on travel in this Government are the same as the previous Government. The hon. Member will wish to be aware that I have visited the following countries as part of my Departmental duties since 1 May 1997:

In the new year I will be visiting Tunisia, New Zealand and Botswana with The Football Association's Bid team, and receiving in London the Vice-Chairman of FIFA, Mr. Jack Warner. Yesterday I had a meeting with my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Derek Fatchett) to discuss strategy. In the new year I will be meeting with The Football Association's full Executive Committee as part of the planning process for 1999.