§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his visit to Rome in October 1997 was an official visit; and what consequent declaration he made relating to gifts and hospitality to his Permanent Secretary. [107637]
§ Mr. Gordon Brown[holding answer 31 January 2000]: I travelled to Rome in October 1997—at no cost to public funds—both for a private visit and to meet the Italian Finance Minister, Mr. Carlo Ciampi. In line with the requirements of the Ministerial Code no declaration to the Permanent Secretary was necessary.