Saudi Arabia (Hansard, 23 June 1980)

§ Mr. Arnold
asked the Lord Privy Seal what are the numbers and respective grades of members of Her Majesty's Embassy Jeddah who currently engage in (a) political, (b) economic-commercial and (c) consular duties.

§ Mr. Hurd
I set out below the numbers and respective grades of our current representation in Saudi Arabia.
Political

1 counsellor

1 first secretary

1 second secretary

1 third secretary
Economic/commercial

1 counsellor

3 first secretaries

4 second secretaries

1 third secretary
Consular

1 consul general

1 consul (first secretary)

4 vice-consuls (third secretaries)

There is in addition the usual clerical, secretarial and administrative support staff.

§ Mr. Arnold
asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is proposed to make any changes in the staffing arrangements of Her Majesty's Embassy, Jeddah.

§ Mr. Hurd
There are no plans to change the establishment of our representation in Saudi Arabia. Staff levels have been increased as a result of a visit by the Diplomatic Service inspectors in January of this year and an additional26W third secretary in Chancery will be joining the embassy later this year.
One reason for this increase has been our wish to give improved consular facilities to the growing number of United Kingdom citizens now living Saudi Arabia.

§ Mr. Arnold
asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) when he expects Her Majesty's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia to return to his post;
(2) what steps he intends to take to secure an improvement in the United Kingdom's relations with Saudi Arabia;
(3) whether his right hon. and noble Friend has any plans to invite the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister to London;
(4) what plans he has to meet members of the Saudi Arabian Government.

§ Mr. Hurd
Current contacts at official level are aimed at restoring full relations with Saudi Arabia and the return of our ambassador in the near future. We cannot say at present how soon or whether visits or meetings between Ministers will be involved, but we are ready to consider these if they would contribute to the restoration of full and friendly relations.