§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Commonwealth Governments are being invited to the Hong Kong handover ceremony; and at what level. [268]
§ Mr. FatchettThe handover ceremony will be a joint occasion, invitations to which will be issued jointly on behalf of Britain and China. We have agreed with China to invite countries and international organisations with the strongest links to Hong Kong, such as all European Union and Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation member states, plus a small number of other countries with special links with Hong Kong, including several members of the Commonwealth. Invited countries will generally be represented by their Foreign Ministers. We will announce the list of countries in due course. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House. I can, however, say that we and China have agreed to invite the Commonwealth Secretary-General. We are delighted that he has accepted.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has to increase the number of employees from ethnic minorities within his Department. [248]
§ Mr. FatchettMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary regards increasing the number of employees from ethnic minorities in this Department as a priority. My noble Friend Baroness Symons has been asked to give careful and swift consideration to ways of improving the policies already in place in this Department. When proposals have been agreed, my noble Friend will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House.