§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what respect Lord Levy represented the Prime Minister in his visits to Syria from 9 to 10 April and to Jordan and Syria from 5 to 10 June; what were Lord Levy's terms of reference; if Lord Levy was accompanied by his Department's officials throughout the visits; if he will list the names of those whom Lord Levy met on each occasion in his capacity as the Prime Minister's personal representative and what was discussed; on what Vote the travel costs fell; what were the experience and knowledge possessed by Lord Levy which led to his being chosen for the mission; for what reasons his Department's Ministers did not undertake the visits; what previous visits Lord Levy has undertaken on behalf of the Prime Minister; and what further such visits are planned. [90287]
§ Mr. HoonLord Levy paid for his travel costs personally. His visits included calls on King Abdullah of Jordan and President Assad of Syria when he delivered personal messages on behalf of the Prime Minister.
The FCO, through the Embassies in Amman and Damascus, liaised in advance with the respective governments on the timing of Lord Levy's visit. The Embassies in Amman and Damascus made programme arrangements, provided some accompanied transportation by road during the programme and accommodation at our Ambassador's residence. The Embassy in Amman hosted a lunch for Lord Levy to meet Jordanian politicians and officials.