HC Deb 17 June 1998 vol 314 cc246-7W
Dr. Julian Lewis

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times Panel 2000 has met; and if he will list the agenda for each occasion. [46066]

Mr. Fatchett

There have been three plenary sessions of Panel 2000. These were held on 1 April, 6 May and 11 June. The agenda items for each meeting are set out in the list.

There have also been several meetings of five specialised subgroups in which members of the Panel have taken part.

1 April 1998

  1. 1. Paper by Demos Think Tank on the international projection of Britain
  2. 2. Discussion of Key Messages and audiences
  3. 3. Discussion of existing projection methods. Commissioning of four papers (see agenda for 6 May)

6 May 1998

1. Consideration of papers commissioned from the FCO by the Panel

  • Inventory of Information Practice (an overview of international projection of the United Kingdom)
  • International perceptions of the UK
  • Implications of UK devolution for the international projection of the UK Specific promotional projects and events

2. Strategy: Discussion of recommendations by Panel subgroups

  • Subgroup 1: Key Messages about the UK
  • Subgroup 2: The means of delivery

3. Public Sector co-operation in projection: Presentation by the Director General of the British Council on the FCO/British Council/DTI new Images initiative in Australia

4. Panel 2000 and Millennium events

5. Further work, including preparations for Expo Hanover 2000 and new British Embassies in Berlin and Moscow

11 June 1998

1. Consideration of further sub-group reports:

  • Public/private sector co-operation in promoting Britain abroad FCO communication at home and abroad
  • Recommendations on further major promotional events

2. Panel draft Interim Report

  • Key Messages
  • Recommendations

3. Other elements of the Interim Report

4. Arrangements for launch of Interim Report.