Norman Baker
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he raised the issue of Tibet (a) privately and (b) publicly during his recent visit to China; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Ivan Lewis
During my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's visit to China he raised the issue of Tibet with Premier Wen and Foreign Minister Yang. He expressed our continued concern at the situation in Tibet, including the heavy security presence, and restrictions on freedom of expression and religion. He welcomed the resumption of the talks between the Chinese authorities and representatives of the Dalai Lama but emphasised that the talks must be substantive to be successful.
Following his visit, the UK and China held a human rights dialogue. This was a further opportunity for us to raise our concerns about Tibet. In advance of the dialogue we have handed over a list of 42 cases, of concern, a number of which relate to Tibet, affecting 56 individuals.
[Official Report, 23 March 2010, Vol. 508, c. 218W.]
Letter of correction from Ivan Lewis, former Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, received 15 April 2010:
An error has been identified in the written answer given to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker) on 23 March 2010. The Foreign Secretary did not raise the issue of Tibet from Premier Wen, so the amended answer should read: