Written question asked by Lord Swire (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 June 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 June 2006. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 June 2006 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Commonwealth Institute Building

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether her Department has plans to bring forward legislation relating to the Commonwealth Institute building; what meetings (a) she and (b) her officials have had to discuss delisting of the Commonwealth Institute; and who attended each meeting.

Answer: Given the Commonwealth Institute's unique role as an international and inter-governmental organisation, whose future is of concern to all 53 Commonwealth countries, Government are considering whether special measures are appropriate in relation to the Commonwealth Institute building. No decisions have yet been taken.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had two meetings with representatives of the Commonwealth Institute. A cross-government working group, which included representatives from the Commonwealth Institute, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department for International Development, Department for Education and Skills, and No. 10 met on a number of occasions to discuss Government support for the Commonwealth Institute. The group received advice on the planning process from the then, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Secondary information