HC Deb 21 July 1997 vol 298 cc453-4W
Mr. Letwin

To ask the President of the Board of Trade on what date the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe dispensed with the car and driver provided to him by BP. [8750]

Mrs. Beckett

Wednesday 7 May 1997.

Mr. Fallon

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her answer of 10 July,Official Report, column 601, on the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe, if she will list those energy issues which she defines as not bearing on British Petroleum. [9016]

Mrs. Beckett

[holding answer 17 July 1997]: In order to ensure compliance with "Questions of Procedure for Ministers", the Minister does not see papers, or take part in discussions or decisions, that could rise to a conflict of interest with his past or his present private interests in BP. As QPM also makes clear, these are ultimately matters for his judgment.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will define those(a) papers the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe cannot see and (b) matters he cannot decide which (i) have a bearing on and (ii) affect BP. [9327]

Mrs. Beckett

[holding answer 18 July 1997]: In order to ensure compliance with "Questions of Procedure for Ministers", the Minister does not see papers, or take part in discussions or decisions, which could rise to a conflict of interest with his past or his present private interests in BP. As QPM also makes clear, these are ultimately matters for his judgment.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the meetings the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe has held since 7 May with(a) executives and (b) directors of BP. [9112]

Mrs. Beckett

[holding answer 17 July 1997]: Since 7 May, the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe has had no formal meetings with executives of BP. He has had three meetings with directors of BP to deal with matters relating to the handover of his duties. He has also attended three farewell social engagements hosted by BP.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the Minister of Trade and Competitiveness in Europe last visited a BP office or installation since becoming a Minister. [9113]

Mrs. Beckett

[holding answer 17 July 1997]: The Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe has visited no BP installation since his appointment on 7 May 1997. He visited BP's offices at Finsbury circus on Friday 9 May to clear his desk and again on Wednesday 4 June for his farewell reception.