HC Deb 08 March 2000 vol 345 cc724-5W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka last visited(a) the northern area of Sri Lanka and (b) Jaffna; and what reports he has made of his visit. [113429]

Mr. Hain

The British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Ms Linda Duffield, last visited the north of Sri Lanka from 17–20 January when she visited Vavuniya, Mannar and Trincomalee. She reported on the difficulties faced by those displaced by the conflict and has discussed this with the Government of Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner will be visiting Jaffna from 21–24 March.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Ministers in his Department have visited Sri Lanka since 1 May 1997. [113433]

Mr. Hain

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 20 January 2000,Official Report, column 579W.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had within the European Union on the involvement of that organisation in the resolution of the conflict in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement. [113432]

Mr. Hain

The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka is discussed frequently in EU forums.