HC Deb 09 December 1998 vol 322 cc224-5W
Mr. Robert Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people in his Department are currently on secondment from private companies; and if he will list them, their companies and their current responsibilities within Government. [62829]

Mr. Fatchett

There are currently 23 staff seconded from the private sector to the FCO. Full details are as listed.

of State, the right hon (Mr. Fatchett), had with Edgar Fernandes during 19 November. [62598]

Mr. Fatchett

The prime purpose of my visit to Turkey, which took place on 17–19 November, was to promote British trade. I held a meeting with the then Deputy Prime Minister, Bulent Ecevit, at which Iraq, human rights and terrorism were the key subjects. It was not possible to discuss the case of Edgar Fernandes although, in my discussions with the British Consul General in Istanbul, I was briefed on the latest developments in the case.