Joseph Johnson (Orpington) (Con): I'd like to echo the Member for Leicester East in particulraly welcoming the announcement of an additional thirty diplomats to the network in India. I think they'll play a valuable part in creating the 'enhanced partnership' that the two countries are seeking, and also reversing the decline in our trading relationship that we witnessed under the last government. As you will know, in 1999 the UK was India's 4th most important source of imports; by 2009 we were 22nd most important. I believe it is important that these thirty new diplomats put trade representation at the top of their priorities, and I would urge you strongly to make sure that they do that.
William Hague: Well as my Honourable Friend knows, we have already placed great importance on the links with India and the Prime Minister led the largest ever trade and ministerial delegation to India in July last year. I'm grateful for his welcome for the additional staff in India and I hope that will allow us to open new consulates-general at various locations in India - although we will have to discuss that with the Indian government and make sure they are happy with these locations.
Joseph Johnson (Orpington) (Con): I'd like to echo the Member for Leicester East in particulraly welcoming the announcement of an additional thirty diplomats to the network in India. I think they'll play a valuable part in creating the 'enhanced partnership' that the two countries are seeking, and also reversing the decline in our trading relationship that we witnessed under the last government. As you will know, in 1999 the UK was India's 4th most important source of imports; by 2009 we were 22nd most important. I believe it is important that these thirty new diplomats put trade representation at the top of their priorities, and I would urge you strongly to make sure that they do that.