§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further steps the Government plan to take to reduce the incidence of British companies trading with Burma. [179161]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Government have a long standing policy to discourage trade with, or investment in, Burma. We offer no support to companies wishing to1220W trade with Burma or for those who want to invest there. We welcomed the announcement by British American Tobacco, the largest remaining UK investor in Burma, that it is withdrawing its investment from that country in response to my request of 2 July 2003. British companies who enquire about trade with Burma are informed of the grave political situation, the regime's atrocious record on human rights and the country's dire economic prospects As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said in the House on 25 June 2003, Official Report, column 1042, "trade with Burma is not appropriate when the regime continues to suppress the basic human rights of its people".
In practical terms, the regime's economic mismanagement and the attitude of the international community means there is virtually no new inward investment into Burma and established companies are pulling out.
§ Vera BairdTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make further representations to Orient Express concerning its proposed new investment in Burma. [179218]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Government do not encourage tourism to, or investment in, Burma. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said in the House on 25 June 2003,Official Report, column 1042, "trade with Burma is not appropriate when the regime continues to suppress the basic human rights of its people." Orient Express is aware of our views.