§ Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknishasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will now publish the advice they have given the Government of the Republic of Austria on how they can cease to be the only member of the United Nations with whom the Government have a policy of refusing bilateral ministerial meetings. [HL2927]
§ Baroness Ramsay of CartvaleMy right honourable friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have had conversations with their Austrian counterparts on the question of the EU 14 measures and have made clear their expectation that the Austrian Government adhere to the welcome commitments they made on coming into office in February 2000.
§ Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknishasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will list the political, human rights or other offences committed by the Government of the Republic of Austria which have led to their being the only member of the United Nations with which the Government have a policy of refusing bilateral ministerial meetings. [HL2928]
§ Baroness Ramsay of CartvaleThe measures implemented on 4 February by the 14 member states of the EU were an expression of concern over the inclusion of a far-Right party in the Austrian Government. Along with all our EU partners we are committed to act against xenophobia and discrimination and have the obligation to express concern where we see the danger of this arising.