§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ask(a) Standard Chartered Bank and (b) Cordiant Communications to withdraw from Burma. [125924]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe two biggest investors in Burma, BAT and Premier Oil, have been asked to withdraw their investment in Burma. I have made clear that our policy is not to encourage UK companies who trade or invest in Burma while the regime continues to suppress the basic human rights of its people. All British companies that inquire about the prospects either for trade with or investment in Burma are informed of this policy.
§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the value of imports of clothing from Burma was in the past two financial years. [125925]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienAccording to figures from HM Customs and Excise, the value of apparel and clothing accessories imported in to the UK from Burma in 2002 was approximately £50 million. In 2001 the value of such imports was approximately £52 million.
§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place a proposal for an EU-wide ban on new investment in Burma on the agenda at the EU Foreign Ministers meeting on 21 July. [125929]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe have long been at the forefront of EU action to maintain and increase targeted pressure on the Burmese regime. We are currently pursuing with EU colleagues what additional economic and diplomatic action is required to ensure that national reconciliation, respect for human rights and democracy becomes a reality in Burma. Burma is not currently on the agenda for the EU Foreign Ministers meeting on 21 July. However, Burma will be a key focus during discussions at the ASEM Foreign Ministers Meeting on 23–24 July.