§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will state the reasons for the present closure of the British embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia, until 11 December; if he will state for what period from 11 December the embassy will be reopened, and with what services; and if he will describe the arrangements he proposes to make, for persons currently in Somalia who have been granted visas to enter the United Kingdom but are unable to collect them because of the present closure of the embassy, to enable such persons to travel to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe British embassy in Mogadishu is not closed. All normal services except visas are available. As in many small missions, the consul is the only trained entry clearance officer. During his leave from 21 November to 10 December the issuance of visas is temporarily suspended. The ambassador will assist urgent visitors.