§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the government of Bangladesh on the setting up of parliamentary committees in the Bangladeshi Parliament. [118142]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the setting up of parliamentary committees with the Bangladesh Foreign Minister when they met on 21 May 2003. Our High Commissioner also raised the issue with the Bangladesh Speaker at the end of April and with the Deputy Speaker and the Opposition Chief Whip in May.
Our High Commission in Dhaka is in regular dialogue with the Bangladesh government to promote the need for better governance including the importance of a fully participatory Parliament.