§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many meetings took place between his Department's officials and the Metropolitan Police in preparation for the state visit of the President of Hungary in June; on what dates; who represented the police at these meetings; and if minutes were taken. [97254]
§ Mr. VazMeetings involving Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials and the Metropolitan Police took place on the following dates this year: 8 April, 4 and 6 May (during the preparatory visit to the UK of the Hungarian officials responsible for the Visit), and 11 May. The number of meetings reflected the programme requirements.
At each meeting, there were representatives from among the following: the then Central European Department and the then Protocol Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; the then Government Hospitality Fund; Department of Trade and Industry; Buckingham Palace; Central Area Headquarters, Special Branch, Royalty Protection and Special Escort Group of the Metropolitan Police Service; the Hungarian Embassy and visiting Hungarian officials; Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park; Thames Valley Police; Guildhall; City of London Police; Royal Parks Police; Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead; Heathrow Airport; Gatwick Airport; Department of Culture, Media and Sport; Royal Air Force; Household Cavalry; Royal Logistic Corps; Ministry of Defence; Crown Estate Office; E. C. Harris company.
Minutes were not taken because the purpose of these meetings was not to take operational decisions, but to go through successive drafts of the programme and discuss new programme proposals. Any outcome of the discussions was subsequently reflected in revised programmes.