Written question asked by Valerie Vaz (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 November 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 November 2010. It was answered by David Lidington (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 November 2010 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

University Teaching: Italy

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs What the outcome was of his recent meeting with the president of the Association of Foreign Lecturers in Italy on the rights of UK citizens teaching in universities in Italy; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: I met the President of the Association of Foreign Lecturers in Italy, Professor Petrie, on 28 October. I said that I would raise the issue with the Italian Minister for European Affairs, the Italian ambassador to the UK and the European Commissioner for Employment. Our British embassy in Rome will also meet members of the association and Italian Government officials.It is wrong and contrary to the spirit of non-discrimination in the single market that the ““lettori”” should still be denied their rights. I shall continue to press the Italian Government on this issue.

Secondary information