In an effort to diffuse criticism over the government's links with collapsed US energy giant Enron, Downing Street has released a detailed timetable of ministerial contacts with the company.

In total, ministers had seven meetings with Enron executives:

• April 28, 1998 - Industry minister John Battle meets Kenneth Lay, Enron chairman and chief executive

• September 23, 1998 - Trade Secretary Peter Mandelson and John Battle meet representatives of Enron, Mobil, Sweb, Esso and Alstom UK to discuss issues arising from the government's Green Paper on energy, which proposes a moratorium on building gas-fired power stations

• May 26, 1999 - Trade Secretary Stephen Byers meets Enron representatives

• February 9, 2000 - Industry Minister Helen Liddell meets Enron representatives to discuss issues in relation to coal transportation

• February 29, 2000 - Mr Byers opens Enron Europe HQ

• April 13, 2000 - Ms Liddell has further meeting with Enron relating to coal transportation, with other coal companies present

• October 5, 2000 - Ms Liddell visits HQ of Enron Europe - no further details of visit given