§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what facilities have been provided to Prince Michael of Kent for business visits by British embassies over the past five years; and what is the estimated cost of those facilities; [40455]
(2) if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government in the provision of facilities by British embassies to private individuals on business trips. [40456]
§ Mr. RifkindThe detailed information sought could be provided only after considerable research, which would involve disproportionate costs. The facilities offered by British embassies to Prince Michael of Kent and those accompanying him have been similar to those available for other British business visitors. These generally include advice on programmes and briefing on political background and commercial opportunities in the relevant market sectors. When appropriate, senior officers also accompany and sometimes lobby on behalf of senior British visitors during calls on local authorities. Hospitality is at times provided in order to effect introductions.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what facilities were provided to Prince Michael of Kent on his business visit to Beijing in September; who approved the provision of such facilities; under what arrangements such facilities were provided; to what other citizens of the United Kingdom such facilities are made available; and if he will make a statement. [40457]
§ Mr. RifkindPrince Michael of Kent was invited by the People's Institute of Foreign Affairs in Peking to lead a delegation of senior representatives of British companies active in China. PIFA was responsible for the 917W arrangements, including travel and accommodation in China. The delegation met its own costs for travel to and from China.
The embassy provided briefing and assistance consistent with the seniority of the group and the reception accorded by the Chinese Government. The ambassador accompanied His Royal Highness on his call on the Premier, Li Peng, and the group was accompanied during the visit by a commercial officer on his staff.
Our embassy in Peking seeks to provide appropriate assistance to all British business delegations visiting China. The facilities the embassy provides to business visitors are tailored to their programme and their individual requirements.