§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to celebrate Commonwealth Day 2003; and what total budget his Department has made available for the celebration of Commonwealth Day 2003. [101979]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary received an invitation to attend the Observance for Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey, but was unable to attend. A Cabinet Minister will represent the Government at the Observance. The FCO has given the Joint Commonwealth Societies' Council £10,000 towards the cost of organising the Observance for Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey. Our Embassies and High Commissions will also be arranging events to mark the occasion, but information about expenditure on these events is not yet available.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with each Commonwealth country regarding Commonwealth Day 2003. [101980]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienNone. Each member country is responsible for organising its own events to mark the Day.