HC Deb 24 May 2002 vol 386 cc603-4W
Mr. Luke

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance has been offered to British companies who retain an economic presence in Burma in the last 12 months. [58025]

Mr. Bradshaw

HMG does not encourage trade, investment or tourism with Burma. Companies asking for advice are informed about the political and human rights situation in Burma and told we will not provide any assistance.

Mr. Luke

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions his Department has had with the military Government of Burma. [58026]

Mr. Bradshaw

The UK maintains formal diplomatic links with Burma. Contact with the military regime in Burma is limited by the EU Common Position which contains a visa ban on senior members of the regime visiting the EU and a ban on High Level visitors from the EU travelling to Burma. There has however been contact at official level, most recently in late February/early March.

An EU Troika mission also visited Burma in March 2002 for discussions with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, representatives of the ethnic minority groups and also members of the regime.

Mr. Luke

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent meetings his Department has had with(a) the NLD and (b) Aung San Sun Kyi as to how the British Government may aid them in bringing about democratic Government, equality before the law and enhanced human rights in Burma. [58023]

Mr. Bradshaw

Our Embassy staff in Burma and visiting FCO officials meet regularly with representatives of the National League for Democracy. Our Ambassador has also met Aung San Suu Kyi since her release from house arrest.

The EU Common Position on Burma includes an arms embargo, a ban on non-humanitarian aid, a ban on items that may be used for torture, a ban on high level visits and a visa ban and asset freeze on senior members of the regime. In addition the European Community suspended Burma's trading privileges in 1997 in response to concerns over the use of forced labour and the Government does not encourage trade, investment or tourism with Burma.

Together with other EU partners, the Government takes every opportunity to encourage the military government, the democratic opposition and the ethnic minorities to press ahead with national reconciliation, with the aim of re-establishing democracy and the rule of law.