§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what occasions since 1993 his(a) Department's officials, (b) Ministry of Defence personnel and (c) Ministers met Mr. Roger Crooks to discuss (i) the security situation in Sierra Leone and West Africa, (ii) the political situation in Sierra Leone and West Africa, (iii) the supplying of arms in Sierra Leone and West Africa, (iv) the supplying of military assistance and advisers in Sierra Leone and West Africa, (v) logistical support in Sierra Leone and West Africa; and if he will make a statement. [114968]
§ Mr. HainMr. Crooks, a US citizen with interests in Sierra Leone, has been known to various members of the High Commission for some time. He assisted in the evacuation of UK, US and other foreign nationals in 1997. He is refurbishing one of the main hotels in Freetown, to be used as the Headquarters of UNAMSIL. FCO and MOD personnel have had occasional contacts with him over the last few years. Discussions have focused on the general situation in Sierra Leone, not arms or military matters.