Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 15 March 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 March 2007. It was answered by Ian McCartney (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 March 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Burma: Foreign Investment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make it her policy to ban investment in Burma from (a) the UK and (b) British Dependent Territories; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: We favour multilateral sanctions, such as those included in the EU Common Position on Burma, because they have a greater practical impact and send a stronger political signal. Any changes would need the support of all EU member states as the Common Position can only be amended by consensus.The Common Position includes a ban on investment in or the provision of financial services to certain Burmese state-owned enterprises. The ban is in force in the UK and British Overseas Territories. Companies incorporated or constituted in the British Overseas Territories need to comply with the law, or risk prosecution.We give no support to companies wishing to invest in Burma. British companies who enquire about trade and investment in Burma are informed of the political situation and the regime's record on human rights. A copy of the EU Common Position on Burma is available in the Library of the House.

Secondary information