To ask Her Majesty's Government when was the last time a Minister of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office spoke in person or by phone to the Chief Minister of Anguilla; and what were the subject matters discussed.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my honourable friend Mr Bellingham, is responsible for the Overseas Territories (OT) and normally meets OT leaders on an annual basis at the Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC) or during visits to the territories. He last met the Chief Minister of Anguilla on 16 and 19 November 2010 during the last OTCC and also had meetings with him on 21 and 22 September 2010 during a visit to Anguilla. They discussed a range of issues including public finances, tourist developments and the economy. Over the past year Mr Bellingham has also written to the Chief Minister on several occasions.

Mr Bellingham is scheduled to have a meeting with the Chief Minister during this year's OTCC.