Mr Insulza, who has gone on to Madrid to appeal to Spanish ministers to block the extradition bid, was given similar answers by Foreign Secretary Robin Cook and Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Mandelson during his four-day visit.

The BBC's David Loyn: "A break in economic relations would be far more damaging to Chile"

All three told him that the decision on whether to let the extradition case go ahead rested solely with Home Secretary Jack Straw and was "not a matter for collective ministerial discussion".

Mr Insulza cancelled a planned news conference after meeting Mr Robertson and instead was driven straight to London's Heathrow airport.

A smiling Mr Insulza leaves the Ministry of Defence after meeting Mr Robertson

The former Chilean military ruler is facing charges of torture, kidnapping and murder of Spanish citizens in Chile between 1973 and 1990.

No immunity

The Law Lords ruled last week that he was not immune from prosecution despite being a former head of state.

UN Human Rights Commissioner Mary Robinson, in London on Monday, welcomes the Law Lords' decision

Mr Straw, who declined to see Mr Insulza, must decide by 11 December whether to allow the extradition case to proceed.

The home secretary, who could release the 83-year-old general on "compassionate grounds", says he will not be swayed by political considerations.

Few details of Mr Insulza's meetings have been revealed but it is believed that he warned ministers that trade, and in particular lucrative defence contracts in Chile, could be harmed if the UK extradites General Pinochet.

'Valued Anglo-Chilean relations'

Mr Robertson in turn told him the UK valued "our warm relations with Chile, on which we hope to build in the future".

Supporters of General Pinochet want him freed

A visit by two Chilean naval officers to discuss buying two British frigates was cancelled following the general's arrest.

British arms sales have been a major source of trade with Chile in the past with much of the military hardware used in General Pinochet's 1973 coup provided by UK manufacturers.

But in recent years sales have been worth less than £1m annually.

General Pinochet remains under arrest in a London hospital pending the outcome of the extradition saga.

Mr Insulza has suggested that General Pinochet could stand trial in Chile if he were sent home. But the Chilean constitution promises him immunity.