§ Mr. Jim MurphyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those previously planned meetings, and their subject, between his Department and its Austrian counterpart which have been cancelled since the formation of the new Austrian Government. [109895]
§ Mr. Jim MurphyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidance he has given to the British Ambassador to Austria in respect of(a) official contacts and meetings with ministers of the new Government, (b) official contacts with officials of the new Government and (c) promoting Britain's interests in Austria. [109867]
§ Mr. VazAccording to the measures of the 14 EU member states there are no restrictions on the contacts of the Ambassadors of the 14 in Vienna; contacts between officials also remain unrestricted. Her Majesty's Ambassador in Vienna will use his discretion in developing contacts with a new Government. He will continue to promote Britain's interests there.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Britain's relations with Austria. [109815]
§ Mr. Vaz[holding answer 11 February 2000]: I have made clear the Government's deep concern and distaste at the inclusion in the Austrian Government of a far-"right" party which appeals to xenophobia. Together with our 13 other partners in the European Union we have implemented measures which will serve to limit the bilateral relationship between the UK and Austria. I have welcomed the fact that the new Austrian Government have committed themselves to abiding by the common obligations and values of EU membership, to combating all forms of discrimination, and to dealing constructively 585W with the country's Nazi past. We will be watching them closely and judging them on whether they fulfil the commitments they have made.