§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the estimated cost of his visit to Brazil; and how many staff will travel with him. [115019]
§ Mr. BattleI understand that the hon. Member is referring to the visit of my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister.
My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is in Brazil at the request of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to build on the close relationship between the UK and Brazil established during President Cardoso's state visit to the UK in December 1997, and to expand trade and investment links with the UK's largest trading partner in Latin America.
My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is visiting Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro and will meet with President Cardoso, Vice President Maciel, Foreign Minister Lampreia and other Ministers, businessmen and business organisations.
§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the purpose of his visit to Brazil; and if he will publish his itinerary. [115018]
§ Mr. BattleI understand the hon. Member is referring to the visit of my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister.
My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is in Brazil at the request of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to build on the close relationship between the UK and Brazil established during President Cardoso's state visit to the UK in December 1997, and to expand trade and investment links with the UK's largest trading partner in Latin America.
My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is visiting Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro and I will meet with President Cardoso, Vice President Maciel, Foreign Minister Lampreia and other Ministers, businessmen and business organisations.