§ Baroness Ewart-Biggsasked Her Majesty's Government
What is their current policy towards British companies trading with or investing in Burma, and what advice and/or aid the Department of Trade and Industry is giving to such companies.
§ Lord ReayOur policy is to provide no specific encouragement to British firms to trade or invest in Burma in view of the current political and economic situation there. ECGD cover is only available for short-term business, the UK does not sell arms to Burma and our aid programme, like that of other donors, has been suspended since 1988. Any British business visitors to Rangoon can of course look to our Embassy there for advice and support. Firms seeking advice from HMG on trading with Burma are always made aware of the Government's view of the current situation there.