HC Deb 11 January 1999 vol 323 cc82-3W
Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those UK companies known to be operating in Chechnya during 1998 with the goods and services which they have supplied to Chechnya. [64796]

Ms Quin

The only British company which we know to have operated in Chechnya during 1998 is Granger Telecom. We understand that this company was working on a local and satellite communications project in Grozny. The exact details are a matter for the company.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library copies of the written communications between Granger Telecom and his Department during 1998. [64794]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

In agreement with Granger Telecom, I have placed in the Library copies of the two written communications between the FCO and the company before the tragic kidnap of 3 October 1998. I am also placing in the Library a copy of my letter of 11 December and 8 January to the hon. Member, which set these communications in context.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when his Department was first informed of activities by Granger Telecom in Chechnya. [64795]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

In July 1998: Granger Telecom wrote to HM Ambassador, Moscow, on 9 July 1998 supporting visa applications for the UK by Chechens associated with Granger Telecom's activities in Chechnya.