HL Deb 11 October 1999 vol 605 cc8-9WA
Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether inter-departmental co-ordinating arrangements for the handling of United Kingdom overseas territories have been sufficiently strengthened by the White Paper published in March. [HL3929]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Mechanisms, including the creation of Overseas Territories Unit in the Department for International Development and of the Overseas Territories Department in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, have strengthened Whitehall co-ordination, and pre-date the publication of the White Paper.

Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether clear roles and responsibilities have been established within the parallel arrangements in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development; and whether these arrangements will provide a single focus for the overseas territories within Whitehall. [HL3930]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Clear roles and responsibilities have been established, and have contributed to enhanced co-ordination within Whitehall.