To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will support the establishment of a one minute silence for those who died as a result of the slave trade. (118632)

The Government have not sought to dictate how individuals and groups remember those who suffered and died as a result of the slave trade, and recognise those who fought for its abolition.

Some organisations and events are planning to include a silence in their activities, others are not. There are no plans at present for a Government-supported silence for those who died as a result of the slave trade.

With the help of the Advisory Group set up in January 2006 the cultural sector, local authorities and community and faith groups have taken the lead and are organising their own bicentenary events from their own perspective.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will support the creation of an annual day of commemoration of the abolition of the slave trade. (118633)

There are two key dates for commemoration in this bicentenary year: 25 March (the date of the 1807 Act) and 23 August (the UNESCO international day for the remembrance of the slave trade and its abolition). Activities and events will take place around both dates as well as at other times in the year. There have been many calls for an annual memorial day, and we look forward to hearing during 2007 views on what date such a day would best be marked.