§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions he had on human rights issues with those Chinese leaders whom he met during his recent visit to China; which political opponents of the Government he met; and if he will make a statement. [31156]
The Deputy Prime MinisterThe two main objectives for my visit to China were to develop commercial opportunities for British business in China and to take forward co-operation over Hong Kong. During my visit, I focused on these two objectives, which were achieved. I did not raise human rights issues. The Chinese are in no doubt about our long-held and serious concerns in that area.