Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether (a) her Department and (b) the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs is informed when Welsh Government ministers meet foreign diplomats; whether permission is sought for such meetings; and whether (i) her Department and (ii) the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs are informed of the content of those meetings.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works closely with the Wales Office to monitor and support the Welsh Government’s international engagement on devolved matters.

The FCDO provides support and guidance when the Welsh Government chooses to advise UK Government of these meetings, and where it is appropriate to do so. The FCDO also works to ensure that foreign diplomats are aware of the respective responsibilities of the UK and Devolved Governments.

The Wales Office also engages directly with the FCDO overseas network to support ministerial and official investment missions. For the second year in a row, the UK Government has overseen an increase in the number of foreign investments coming into Wales, alongside a rise in the number of jobs created or protected. The new £2.4m Brand Wales programme will enhance our promotion of Wales' Trade and Investment opportunities.