§ Mr. AncramTo ask the Prime Minister what representations he 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. [90642]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government's position on this remains as I set out in the House on 8 January 2003,official Report, column 162. My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the Minister for Sport, and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office met the ECB on 9 January. This was the culmination of dialogue between the ECB and government that began on 5 July last year at official level. The ECB nominate the England and Wales representative to the ICC. They are well aware of the situation in Zimbabwe and the Government's views on their participation.