HC Deb 22 January 2002 vol 378 c772W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions his Department has provided support for Mrs. Blair during the Prime Minister's official visits abroad in the periods(a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999, (c) May 1999 to April 2000, (d) May 2000 to April 2001 and (e) since May 2001. [28627]

Mr. MacShane

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, and British embassies and High Commissions around the world, have assisted No. 10 in arranging official programmes for Mrs. Blair whenever she has accompanied the Prime Minister on his official visits overseas. This is in accordance with the Cabinet Office Ministerial Code of July 1997. Mrs. Blair has accompanied the Prime Minister on the following number of occasions:

  1. (a) May 1997 to April 1998: 5
  2. (b) May 1998 to April 1999: 3
  3. (c) May 1999 to April 2000: 5
  4. (d) May 2000 to April 2001: 3
  5. (e) Since May 2001: 3.