§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, (1) pursuant to his answer of 21 January 1998,Official Report, column 539, if he will publish the programme of Mrs. Derek Fatchett when she accompanied her husband to Australasia and the Pacific from 12 to 22 September 1997 at public expense; [25817]
(2) if he will publish the programme of Miss Geraldine Daly when she accompanied the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, North (Mr. Henderson) to Luxembourg from 25 to 26 October at public expense. [25818]
§ Mr. Robin Cook[holding answer 27 January 1998]: Mrs. Fatchett undertook a programme which included visits in the fields of healthcare and culture, as well as accompanying Mr. Fatchett to a number of official engagements. Miss Daly took part in the programme organised by the Luxembourg Presidency for partners of Ministers attending, which included cultural and social visits. It is normal practice and a courtesy to the host nation that those accompanying Ministers on visits take part in official programmes organised by the host country or the Embassy. This is in line with the previous Administration's practice.