To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have taken place with the Chinese Government on the proposal to loan two giant pandas from China to Edinburgh Zoo; what the Government's policy is on the matter; and if he will make a statement. (224052)

[holding answer 17 September 2008]: We are aware that The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is in discussion with its counterparts in China about conservation collaboration, of which the proposed loan of pandas is only one element. At the request of the Scottish Executive, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised this with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi when he visited China in February. The Government regard this primarily as an arrangement between the RZSS and the Chinese authorities, but are supportive of the underlying objective of promoting collaboration in the area of animal conservation.