Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with representatives of the Indian Government about the violence in Gujarat. [40969]
§ Mr. BradshawOur High Commission in Delhi has been in contact with the Indian Home Affairs Ministry to seek their support in ensuring the protection and safety of British nationals. Our consular staff in Mumbai are in constant touch with the police and the local authorities. Following a meeting with representatives of Muslim organisations on 5 March, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary stated that he was "greatly concerned and saddened at the deaths in both communities in 869W Gujarat, and hoped that calm would be restored as quickly as possible". He also said that he "appreciated the efforts of the Government of India to this end".