---

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer

Mr. Foulkes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what facilities were provided to Prince Michael of Kent on his business visit to Beijing in September; who approved the provision of such facilities; under what arrangements such facilities were provided; to what other citizens of the United Kingdom such facilities are made available; and if he will make a statement. [40457] Mr. Rifkind: Prince Michael of Kent was invited by the People's Institute of Foreign Affairs in Peking to lead a delegation of senior representatives of British companies active in China. PIFA was responsible for the arrangements, including travel and accommodation in China. The delegation met its own costs for travel to and from China. The embassy provided briefing and assistance consistent with the seniority of the group and the reception accorded by the Chinese Government. The ambassador accompanied His Royal Highness on his call on the Premier, Li Peng, and the group was accompanied during the visit by a commercial officer on his staff. Our embassy in Peking seeks to provide appropriate assistance to all British business delegations visiting China. The facilities the embassy provides to business visitors are tailored to their programme and their individual requirements.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

40457; 282 c918-9W;282 c916-7W

Session

1995-96

Subjects

China Overseas trade United Kingdom Royal family Embassies Corporate hospitality Official hospitality Michael of Kent, Prince