Written question asked by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 February 2006. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Monday, 27 February 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Conflict Diamonds

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many representations he has made recently to African governments concerning the trade in conflict diamonds.

Answer: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not made specific representations to African Governments on the issue of conflict diamonds.However, the United Kingdom is committed to the international control of the trade in rough diamonds through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. The scheme allows for multilateral action to review and encourage all Participants, including those in Africa, to improve controls over their diamond production and trade.

Secondary information