Written question asked by Desmond Swayne (Conservative) on Monday, 21 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 February 2005. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Monday, 28 February 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the withdrawal of the UK High Commissioner to Lesotho. - Including ref to 15 December 2004 428 c137-41WS.

Answer: Mr. Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the withdrawal of the UK High Commissioner to Lesotho. [217774] Mr. Mullin: Our high commissioner to Lesotho has not been withdrawn. As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made clear in his written statement on 15 December 2004, Official Report, columns 137-41WS, we are making changes to our overseas network to reflect changing demands and challenges and to ensure the UK has a cost-effective and flexible network of overseas representation. This involves the closure of several diplomatic posts including the high commission in Maseru. We envisage the high commission closing around the end of 2005. This is in no way a reflection on the current Government of Lesotho or on the quality of our bilateral relations. We will work with the Government of Lesotho to establish alternative forms of British representation, probably through an honorary consul in Maseru, supported by non-resident accreditation from Pretoria.

Secondary information