§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to meet representatives of the Government of France; and if he will make a statement. [105010]
§ Mr. VazMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary next plans to meet Foreign Minister M. Hubert Vedrine at the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 24 January. I met members of the French Government at the Franco—British colloque on 14 January.
§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the role of the British Embassy in Paris in easing the plight of British hauliers in France. [105011]
§ Mr. VazDuring the recent road haulier's dispute in France, the British Embassy in Paris was in regular contact with the French authorities at both the national and local levels. Their aim was to encourage an early end to the dispute and to ensure the safety and well-being of British drivers. The Embassy also provided regular updates and advice on the situation in France to the Road Hauliers Association and the Freight Transport Association in the UK, to British drivers stranded in France, and to Government Ministries in Whitehall. The Freight Transport Association has thanked the Embassy for their advice and assistance.
§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last spoke to a representative of the Government of France; and if he will make a statement. [105009]
§ Mr. VazMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with Foreign Minister M. Hubert Vedrine and maintains a dialogue with him on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. I also meet my counterpart, M. Pierre Moscovici, regularly.