§ Sir John StanleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether a British ambassador or high commissioner has, since the beginning of this Parliament, submitted a draft letter for the Prime Minister in support of the commercial activities of a British company other than that submitted by the British ambassador to Romania in connection with the acquisition of Sidex by Mr. Lakshmi Mittal's company. [39715]
§ Mr. MacShane[holding answer 7 March 2002]I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 14 February 2002, Official Report, columns 610–11W.
§ Sir John StanleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what instructions and guidance his Department has given to British ambassadors and high commissioners overseas as to the circumstances in which they should seek a letter from the Prime Minister in support of the commercial activities of a British company; and if he will place a copy of such instructions and guidance in the Library. [39721]
§ Mr. MacShane[holding answer 7 March 2002]Ministers write frequently in support of UK commercial interests in overseas markets with each case considered on its merits.
690W