HC Deb 15 January 2003 vol 397 c627W
Mr. Ancram

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made in the last six months to(a) the International Cricket Council and (b) the English Cricket Board with regard to (i) World Cup matches being rescheduled outside Zimbabwe and (ii) the England Cricket Team not playing in that country. [90644]

Mr. Straw

FCO officials have been in contact with the ICC and ECB since July 2002. They have provided briefing on the internal political, economic and humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe and advice on how this might impact on security. Ministers have repeatedly made clear that decisions on England's participation in the match it is scheduled to play in Harare on 13 February rest with the ECB and the ICC, but that in the Government's view, it would be better if the team did not go.