To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the human rights situation in Tibet; and what recent progress has been made on improving human rights for the indigenous people of Tibet. (139056)

We raised our concerns on the human rights situation in Tibet with the Chinese Government at the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue on 5 February. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister also raised Tibet with Chinese Premier Wen when he visited London in September 2006. We welcome the economic development in Tibet, but remain concerned that this does not sufficiently benefit or take into account the wishes of the local Tibetan population. The British Government continue to fund project work to improve health, sanitation and education facilities for Tibetan populations in China.