§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made by the United Kingdom Government in promoting dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama. [85850]
§ Mr. HoonWe take every opportunity to encourage the Chinese Government to enter into dialogue with the Tibetans, including the Dalai Lama. My right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs did so when they visited China last year. My predecessor, the late Member for Leeds, Central did so again when he visited China in April. We are not aware however of any recent discussions.
§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has(a) sought and (b) obtained from the Chinese Government about the whereabouts of welfare of the Panchen Lama. [85864]
§ Mr. HoonWe have taken every opportunity to seek information from the Chinese Government, both bilaterally and in conjunction with our EU partners, on the well-being of the child recognised by the Dalai Lama as the Panchen Lama. We have also sought permission to visit the child. While this has not been agreed by the Chinese authorities, they have reported that the child is living normally with his family. We shall continue to raise the case.