§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister if he will list the overseas missions undertaken on his behalf since 7 June by(a) Lord Levy and (b) the right hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson), listing in each case (i) persons and places visited, (ii) the reason for the visits and (iii) the cost to public funds. [8774]
§ The Prime MinisterSince 7 June, Lord Levy has travelled as my personal envoy to Israel and the Palestinian Authority from 10 to 13 July, and to Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt and Jordan from 30 September to 10 October. During his visits he met a range of senior figures including the Israeli Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Defence Minister, the President of the Palestinian Authority, the Egyptian Foreign Minister, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, King Abdullah and the Jordanian Foreign Minister. The purpose of these visits was to carry messages on my behalf to other leaders. Lord Levy received no remuneration and travels at his own expense. The FCO and diplomatic missions overseas provide him with practical support, the cost of which is not separately itemised.
143WI have appointed my right hon. Friend the Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson) as Chairman of the UK-Japan 21st Century Group. He has not undertaken any missions on my behalf.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister in respect of visits abroad undertaken on his behalf by(a) Lord Levy and (b) right hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson), and if it is his policy to inform the Foreign Office of such visits in advance. [8773]
§ The Prime MinisterWhen Lord Levy travels as my personal envoy, the FCO is informed and he is supported by FCO staff in London and at overseas diplomatic missions.
In respect of my right hon. Friend the Member for Hartlepool, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I have him today.