To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the statement of 9 July, Official Report, columns 1044–52, what was the purpose of the visit of Mr. Danny Woodier to Caracas in January 1997. [8897]

Mr Woodier, Consular Protection Desk Officer for South America, visited the Caracus area in March 1997 as part of a familiarisation visit to South America. The purpose of his visit was to gain first hand knowledge and experience of his area of responsibility.