Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anelay of St Johns on 21 January (HL4053), what activities involving the pursuit of Foreign and Commonwealth Office Objectives justified the air travel funded by the Government, and how that role differs from the work which the Duke of York undertook in his role as United Kingdom Trade Ambassador, from which he resigned in 2011.

Two of the visits were invitations for specific events:

1. The visit to Germany was to represent Her Majesty The Queen at the celebrations for the 300th anniversary of the Personal Union of the Crowns of the UK and Hanover through highlighting the modern UK-Germany relationship including the promotion of UK-German links in science and innovation and learning about Germany’s apprenticeship and management training schemes.

2. The visit to Switzerland was to the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)’s 60th anniversary and highlighted the UK as one of the most significant contributors to scientific research and engineering through a keynote address. His Royal Highness the Duke of York met young British scientific pioneers, championed the UK’s role in creative and innovation sectors, engaged with senior UN officials in Geneva and met with Swiss Apprentices.

The other two visits were to support and further enhance the important bilateral relationships between the UK and each country.

In Kuwait , His Royal Highness re-affirmed the close relationship and encouraged further co-operation in several sectors including Healthcare, Science and Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Youth Engagement.

In Saudi Arabia,His Royal Highness focused activity on building key relationships in the Kingdom whilst focusing on partnership Healthcare, Education and Entrepreneurship.

When His Royal Highness stepped down from the role of UK Special Representative for Trade and Investment in 2011, it was announced that he would continue to support British business and represent the UK in the same way as the other members of the Royal Family who represent Her Majesty The Queen and the UK on official Royal Visits overseas.