§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish his Department's rules on contacts with military companies(a) as they were at 1 January 1998 and (b) as amended in line with his press release of 9 February 1999. [71837]
§ Mr. Tony LloydPrior to 24 July 1998, there were no general requirements for Foreign Office officials to record contacts with private military companies. The guidelines introduced on 24 July were intended for internal use only pending preparation of more detailed guidance in consultation with other Government Departments.
We intend to make this revised guidance available to Parliament and to companies or individuals who request it.