§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Prime Minister whether allegations of corrupt practices by BAE Systems were raised during his discussions with the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic in April 2002 regarding the possible sale of Gripen jets and the Czech decision to buy supersonic aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [123003]
§ The Prime MinisterNo such issues were raised in the course of these discussions.
§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Prime Minister how many written representations he has made since January 1999 to the Government of the Czech Republic regarding the possible sale of Gripen jets and the Czech decision to buy supersonic aircraft; and when each of these written representations was made. [123004]
§ The Prime MinisterI have written twice to the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic about their future requirement for a multi-role combat aircraft.
Ministers in successive Governments have fought for British interests abroad and I regard this as an important part of my job.
It is not normal practice to release letters from the Prime Minister to another Head of Government under exemption 1( b ) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Exemption 13 of the Code also applies with regard to commercial confidentiality.