Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what guidance his Department has issued on international engagement by devolved administrations under Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998; and what assessment he has made of trends in the level of activities of the Scottish Government’s international hubs.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) regularly issues detailed guidance on international engagement by Devolved Governments, including to our Embassies and High Commissions, to ensure that the UK Government's reservation on foreign affairs is protected. The FCDO monitors international activity undertaken by the Devolved Governments, including the Scottish Government. The majority of Scottish Government overseas staff are located on the FCDO platform, enabling close working and co-operation.