§ Dr. Jenny TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with(a) the World Diamond Council and (b) representatives from the UK jewellers industries regarding promoting the Kimberley Process. [83773]
§ Mr. RammellI have been asked to reply.
In November 2001, my right hon. Friend the then Minister for Europe (Mr Peter Hain) met with Gary Ralfe, Managing Director of the De Beers Group, part of the World Diamond Council, to discuss the Kimberley Process.
449WFCO officials have had regular contact with the World Diamond Council for the past two years and are in close touch with the British Jewellers Association.
In preparation for implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in January 2003, further discussions with the UK diamond industry, including the Jewellers Association, are due to take place at the FCO on 6 December.