19. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the forthcoming G8 meeting in St. Petersburg on 15 to 17 July. (84780)

The Prime Minister will attend the G8 summit in St. Petersburg this weekend. This is the first Russian G8 Presidency and the UK is working with G8 partners for a successful summit. The Presidency’s focus is on energy security, infectious diseases and education. These and other current issues will be discussed at the meeting. The Prime Minister will lead two sessions on Africa at the summit, in recognition of continuing G8 focus on Africa.