To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Malik) had discussions with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office prior to his meetings with the (a) Prime Minister and (b) President of Pakistan during his recent visit to that country. (290657)

[holding answer 9 September 2009]: I travelled to Pakistan privately in August. While there I took the opportunity to meet Mr. Syed Yousef Gilani, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. I did not meet the President of Pakistan. I was in contact with FCO staff in Pakistan about this meeting.

Travel to and from Pakistan, and domestic flights in Pakistan were paid for by me. Secure travel by road was provided by the Government of Pakistan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Malik), travelled to Pakistan in an official capacity in August 2009 to meet the President and Prime Minister of that country. (292806)

I travelled to Pakistan privately in August. While there I took the opportunity to meet Mr. Syed Yousef Gilani, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. I did not meet the President of Pakistan. I was in contact with FCO staff in Pakistan about this meeting.

Travel to and from Pakistan, and domestic flights in Pakistan were paid for by me. Secure travel by road was provided by the Government of Pakistan.