HC Deb 31 October 2002 vol 391 cc983-4W
Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to encourage the development of the Iranian oil and gas industry; and what steps she is taking to encourge UK firms to invest in Iran. [78305]

Mr. Wilson

Her Majesty's Government has supported UK companies investing in the development of the Iranian oil and gas industry and will continue to do so.

Trade Partners UK, including the commercial team at the Embassy in Tehran, offers a strong package of support for British companies wishing to do business with Iran. In addition to providing up to date information on market conditions, they support a programme of trade missions to the market, help British groups attend key trade fairs, organise inward missions and provide targeted assistance to UK companies in key sectors.