HL Deb 05 November 2001 vol 628 cc6-8

2.50 p.m.

Baroness Rendell of Babergh

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Bearing in mind the present state of world tension, what advice the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is giving to British citizens travelling abroad.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Amos)

My Lords, we are continuing to monitor the security situation overseas. We are not aware of any specific threat to British nationals. There have been a limited number of demonstrations in some places. British nationals, in particular those unfamiliar with local conditions, should remain alert, take sensible precautions for their personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations. Our travel advice is practical, up to date and presents the facts so that travellers can make informed choices about travel. It is kept under constant review on a country-by-country basis.

Baroness Rendell of Babergh

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for that Answer. Can she tell the House specifically what British nationals who find themselves in a foreign country should do in the event of a terrorist attack, or even in the event of the warning of a terrorist attack, as happened in the United States last week?

Baroness Amos

My Lords, we recognise that no travel is entirely risk-free. On that basis, we give as much information as we can to allow travellers to make decisions about travel. Our advice will depend on where terrorist action occurs; for example, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office already advises against travel to countries which we consider to pose the greatest risk.

However, if travellers are with a group, we advise them that their tour operator will take responsibility. If they are independent travellers, they should contact their airline. They should certainly contact the British mission in the country where they are travelling, or, in the event of there not being a mission, the mission of another, probably European, country. They should also try to contact their relatives in the UK, who can then use that route to contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. They should also monitor what the local authorities say about the situation on the ground.

Baroness Ramsay of Cartvale

My Lords, can my noble friend tell us what increase in workload has occurred since 11th September in relation to the service provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and what extra resources, if any, it has been able to provide? Does the Minister agree that the Foreign Office treads a very difficult line between being accused of being alarmist and being complacent? Does she agree that it does the job superbly well?

Baroness Amos

My Lords, first, I thank my noble friend for her comments about the work of the Foreign Office in this respect. It gives me an opportunity to pay tribute to the work in particular of our consular staff and of volunteers within the Foreign Office. Since 11th September, not only here and in New York but also in other parts of the world, they have worked round the clock to continue to provide an effective and immediate service.

With regard to workload and extra resources, following the events of 11th September the number of calls to our travel advice unit rose by more than 500 per cent to an average of over 1,200 calls a day. At that point, we increased the number of staff and operated the unit seven days a week. However, on 10th October we transferred the call handling to an outside call centre because the volume had become so great. The calls peaked at approximately 1,900 a day on 15th October but they have now begun to reduce to around 400 a day.

Lord Dholakia

My Lords, can the Minister say what advice is being offered to British citizens travelling in areas of conflict about their duties and obligations in respect of loyalty to this country? In particular, what further advice can be offered to people should they be seen to assist in terrorist activities, and can such information be made available on the Internet?

Baroness Amos

My Lords, it is important for me to say to the noble Lord that our advice is not to travel to areas of conflict around the world. A "Don't go" list is already in existence. It includes a number of countries—for example, Burundi—where there is either conflict or the possibility that conflict will occur. With regard to British nationals who may travel to areas of conflict around the world and then perhaps participate in that conflict, we would consider using existing domestic legislation—for example, the Terrorism Act.

The Earl of Sandwich

My Lords, does the noble Baroness agree that media speculation about the India cricket tour has, frankly, been quite absurd and irresponsible? Will she confirm through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office that tours to India are as safe now as they ever have been?

Baroness Amos

My Lords, we spent some time talking to the England and Wales Cricket Board about the proposed tour to India. Our talks included a meeting between our High Commissioner and the relevant authorities. The tour is scheduled to go ahead. Our advice in all such situations is always to contact the Foreign Office, either by telephone or by using our website. We are always available to give information and advice. At this point, our information is that the security situation is not such that we would advise against travel to India.