To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Kuwait concerning (a) democratic rights and (b) the rights of non-Kuwaitis legally resident; and if he will make a statement. [30767]

During my visit to Kuwait in June 1997 and in meetings with senior Kuwaiti visitors since, I have discussed democratic development and commended the role of the directly elected National Assembly. We raise other issues, including the rights of non-Kuwaiti nationals, as appropriate.