San Francisco Consulate

EDM number 195 in 2000-01, proposed by Derek Wyatt on 15/01/2001.

That this House notes that San Francisco and its hinterland in Silicon Valley represents the 10th largest economic area in the world; reflects on its success in initiating venture capital through the pioneering work of Arthur Rock who helped fund Intel and Apple thirty years ago; congratulates the United Kingdom Consulate recently for celebrating its 150th year in the city, making it the oldest on the West Coast; is concerned that EU and Pacific Rim countries are increasing their staff there with special responsibility for the 'knowledge economy'; calls for the FCO/Department of Trade and Industry Departments to make this a priority also for the United Kingdom; recommends that ministers with these responsibilities should visit the area as soon as possible; draws attention to the fact that the Consular General's house has acted as a unique cost effective private networking centre and reception facility non pareil for visiting ministers, industry dignitaries and SMEs; and suggests that the recent agreement to sell the Consular General's house is a mistake we will come to rue.

This motion has been signed by a total of 22 MPs.