Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 January 2003. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 January 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the authorities in Gujarat, India on the subject of violence against Christians.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the authorities in Gujarat, India on the subject of violence against Christians. [92048] Mr. Mike O'Brien: We have had no discussions with the authorities in Gujarat at ministerial level. Officials have been in contact with the police authorities in Gujarat about the situation there. However, Ministers and officials have raised our concerns with the Government of India on a number of occasions since the violence began in February last year, although not specifically regarding violence against Christians. Most recently, I discussed Gujarat with Mr. I D Swami, the Indian Minister of State for Home Affairs, on 17 October 2002. We remain very concerned about the welfare of many in Gujarat and continue to urge India to bring to justice the perpetrators of the violence.

Secondary information