Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has received about allegations of violence by Soco International in Virunga National Park.

I refer to the answer given by the Secretary of State for International Development, the Rt Hon. Justine Greening MP, on 17 December (Hansard 17/12/2014 - Column 1393 -http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm141217/debtext/141217-0001.htm). We are aware of allegations of wrongdoing made against Soco International, its employees and agents connected to its activities in the Virunga National Park, including those made in the documentary film 'Virunga'. We expect all companies to act appropriately and to the highest of standards, and encourage anyone with evidence of serious fraud, bribery or corruption to contact the Serious Fraud Office.