§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the President of the Board of Trade which Ministers have visited the principal applicant countries for EU membership over the past(a) six months and (b) 12 months; and if she will list the countries concerned. [41247]
§ Mrs. Beckett[holding answer 12 May 1998]My noble Friend the Minister for Trade has visited the following principal EU applicant States: the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. All the visits took place during the last six months.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list those countries other than EU member states and the principal EU applicant states which Ministers in her Department have visited in the past(a) six months and (b) 12 months. [41246]
§ Mrs. Beckett[holding answer 12 May 1998]DTI Ministers have visited the following countries outside EU Member States and the principal EU applicant states:
a) Last 6 months b) Last 12 months President of the Board of India Japan Trade Australia USA China and Hong Kong Pakistan Russia Minister for Trade Quatar USA UAE South Africa Yemen Thailand Zimbabwe Malaysia Australia Chile New Zealand Argentina Japan Korea Israel Indonesia Minister for Science, Energy USA Canada and Industry Switzerland Africa Azerbaijan Minister of State — — Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe — — Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Competition and Consumer Affairs USA — Parliamentary Under-Secretary Egypt Brazil of State for Small Firms, Kenya Trade and Industry Uganda