HC Deb 12 May 2003 vol 405 c75W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what ministerial meetings have taken place with representatives of other countries at which the(a) export and (b) promotion of British military equipment was discussed in (i) 2002 and (ii) 2003 to date, in each case what was the country concerned and the substance of discussions; and if he will make a statement. [112292]

Mr. Straw

Ministers from a number of Government Departments regularly have meetings with representatives of other countries, during which they, as a main topic or as a secondary matter, promote British exports, including defence equipment.

The Government keep a central record neither of these meetings, nor of the substance of the discussions.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries were invited by his Department to attend meetings promoting arms exports in(a) 2002 and (b) 2003 to date; and if he will make a statement. [112294]

Mr. Straw

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff throughout the world, regularly have meetings with representatives of other countries, during which the promotion of British exports, including defence equipment is discussed.

The Government keep a central record neither of these meetings, nor of the substance of the discussions.