content: From 7 October to 13 October 2012 I was part of a cross party delegation of MSPs who visited the Republic of China (Taiwan) at the invitation of the Director General, Taipei Representative Office (Edinburgh Office) in the UK, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China Department (of 1 Melville Street Edinburgh, EH3 7PE). The delegation held meetings with a number of government departments, schools, trade and cultural organisations including the Taipei City authority, Ministry of Justice, Directorate of European Affairs, The Straits Exchange Foundation, Hinchu Science Park, Mayor of Tainan, Tainan Municipal Jhongsiao Junior High School, Changhua Christian Hospital, Tzu Chi Foundation, British Council, Taiwan Women’s Centre, Green Energy and Environment research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute and Taiwan Handicraft Centre. The cost of the visit was £2,200 for return flights, £660 for hotel accommodation, £350 for meals and £70 for transport. All costs (which totalled £3,280) were met by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan). I also received gifts valued at less than £250 which included a ceramic bowl, a glass drinking mug, Hakka traditional bag, hand mirror, commemorative bookmarks, Taiwan tea, a pair of commemorative whisky glasses, a pair of ceramic Chinese lion figures and a pair of drinking glasses. I do not consider that this visit would meet the prejudice test.
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