To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what process the Government would have to follow to ban British companies from investing in Burma. (118377)

The Government have a long-standing policy of discouraging British firms from trading with or investing in Burma. We offer no commercial services to companies wishing to trade or invest there and British firms who inquire about trade with Burma are informed of the grave political situation and the regime’s atrocious human rights record.

Very few UK companies choose to invest in Burma because of the regime’s economic mismanagement and corrupt business climate. We believe that multilateral sanctions are more effective and for this reason we support the EU Common Position.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Government have the power to stop British companies providing goods and services to the (a) military regime in Burma, (b) state-owned companies in Burma and (c) companies owned or controlled by business people linked to the military regime in Burma. (118381)

The Government have a long-standing policy of discouraging British firms from trading with or investing in Burma. We offer no commercial services to companies wishing to trade or invest there. British firms who inquire about trade with Burma are informed of the grave political situation and the regime’s atrocious human rights record. We have consistently supported measures that target those responsible for the regime’s policies.

Trade policy is the competence of the European Commission, and therefore any action would need to be taken at Community level.

Very few UK companies choose to invest in Burma because of the regime’s economic mismanagement and corrupt business climate. We believe that multilateral sanctions are more effective and for this reason we support the EU Common Position.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Government have the power to ban the export of luxury items to Burma. (118380)

Trade policy is the competence of the European Commission, and therefore any action would need to be taken at Community level.

Very few UK companies choose to invest in Burma because of the regime’s economic mismanagement and corrupt business climate. We believe that multilateral sanctions are more effective and for this reason we support the EU Common Position.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the extent of British trade with Burma; and which British companies are the main exporters to Burma. (118356)

The Government have a long-standing policy of not encouraging British firms to trade with or invest in Burma. We offer no commercial services or support to companies wishing to trade with or invest in Burma. British companies who enquire about trade with Burma are informed of the grave political situation, the regime's atrocious record on human rights and the country's dire economic prospects.

For the period January to November 2006, the UK's exports of goods to Burma amounted to £3.2 million. This is a fall of 66.9 per cent. over the same period in 2005 when UK exports were £9.7 million. We do not maintain details of British companies exports to overseas markets.

Very few UK companies choose to invest in Burma because of the regime's economic mismanagement and corrupt business climate. We believe that multilateral sanctions are more effective and for this reason we support the EU Common Position.