§ Adam PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what undertakings were(a) sought and (b) received from LNM/Ispat International when it obtained the assistance of the British ambassador in Romania in its attempted acquisition of Sidex. [39050]
§ Mr. MacShane[holding answer 23 February 2002]: None.
§ Adam PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when, and on what authority, the British ambassador in Romania was authorised to assist the attempted acquisition of Sidex by LNM/Ispat International. [39051]
§ Mr. MacShane[holding answer 28 February 2002]: Posts have a wide measure of discretion to support British companies in their market. They do not require specific authorisation to offer such support, unless it involves the Post spending public money, which was not the case with LNM/Ispat. Posts maintain regular contact with Trade Partners UK and other Government Departments as necessary about their activities, as happened in this case.