HC Deb 24 May 1978 vol 950 cc569-72W
Dr. Bray

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report the notes prepared for football supporters visiting Argentina for the World Cup.

Mr. Rowlands

Yes: the notes read as follows:

World Cup 1978 Notes for British Football Supporters visiting Argentina

Introduction

1. These notes have been prepared by the staff of the British Embassy at Buenos Aires, who hope you will have an enjoyable and trouble-free visit to Argentina. During the competition, British consular officers will be available at Cordoba, Mendoza and, if necessary, Rosario as well as at Buenos Aires itself. Their addresses and telephone numbers are at paragraph 12 below. They will do their best to help solve any problems you may have. You should get in touch with them at once if you are in difficulties with the local authorities.

Law and Order

2. The present military Government in Argentina came to power in March 1976. The authorities in Argentina have special powers under the "State of Siege" (state of emergency). There are restrictions on movement in certain areas, for example those in which army barracks and Government Offices stand. Signs have been erected, often the silhouette of a sentry with a rifle, at the limits of an area in which you may not stop. In certain circumstances the armed sentry, if warnings are ignored, has instructions to open fire.

3. During the World Cup, the Argentine Army will be responsible for the maintenance of law and order; but it is likely that the Federal and Provincial police (who are also armed) will be in day-to-day control of traffic and matters normally affecting the public. You are advised, particularly as questions or statements in English may not be understood, to be careful in any dealings you may have with the authorities. Identity documents such as your passport should be carried at all times and produced to officials who ask to see them.

Import Restrictions

4. The World Cup Organising Committee have drawn attention to the fact that arms of all types and other items "effecting security" may not be taken into Argentina.

Climate

5. In the World Cup Centres during the month of June it is likely to be chilly in the early morning and evening, but warmer in the middle of the day. June is a winter month when European weight clothing is worn. Bring a raincoat or umbrella.

Health

6. The cost of medical treatment is high. You would be well advised to take out temporary travel insurance before your departure.

Currency

7. Banking hours are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday to Friday inclusive. Some years ago the current (new) Argentine peso was officially instituted, equal to 100 old pesos and, although only new peso notes are in use, the old peso rate is still frequently quoted. If a price sounds exorbitant, it may be that it is being quoted in old pesos (eg, 1.000.000 instead of 10.000). At present, £1 equals 1,250 pesos approximately.

Hotels, Restaurants and Tipping

8. In June, all hotel accommodation will be under the control of the World Cup authorities and prices, which will increase considerably, may rise to the equivalent of £25 or £50 per single room per night. Visitors are advised to ensure they have bookings or adequate funds to cover these costs. In addition, taxes and service charges are levied as a percentage on hotel prices. Restaurant bills may carry a service charge ("laudo') of up to 25 per cent., but even so it is customary to leave a small tip. The hotel management, when you register, will ask for your passport. You should ask them to return it as quickly as possible.

Taxis

9. Taxis are easily identifiable by their black and yellow roofs and by their taxi "flag" indicator. All taxis have meters but hitherto the officially approved rates have had to be increased frequently to keep pace with inflation so that the driver has had to calculate the actual fare by referring to a schedule. By June, however, it is the intention that meters will have been modified to incorporate the latest fare structure. A charge is also made for each piece of hand luggage.

Interpreters

10. Interpreters will be available at police stations, the offices of the World Cup Organisation (E.A.M.), principal hotels, football stadiums, as well as in public thoroughfares, to help with language problems.

Telephone and Postal Services

11. Direct dialling facilities will be available between Mendoza, Córdoba and Buenos Aires. Airmail to and from the United Kingdom may take about five days, but can take longer. Letters between Mendoza, Córdoba and Buenos Aires normally take about three to four days.

British Consulates

12 Consular assistance and advice will be available in Buenos Aires and in those World Cup Centres where Scotland play. Details are: Buenos Aires:

  • British Embassy
  • Consular Section
  • Dr. Luis Agote 2412
  • (1425) Buenos Aires
  • Telephone Nos: 80–7071 to 7079

The office is open to the public from 10.15 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m., Monday to Friday A duty officer is available to deal with emergencies arising outside these hours. Córdoba:

  • Hotel Crillon
  • Rivadavia 83
  • (5000) Córdoba
  • Telephone Nos.: 46093—23938—46010

The Consul will be available from 29th May to 9th June. Depending on Scotland's success, these dates may be extended until 19th June. Mendoza:

  • Hotel Plaza
  • Chile 1124
  • (5500) Mendoza
  • Telephone Nos: 214560 to 63

The Consul will be available on 10th and 11th June. Depending on the outcome of the first round matches, the office will also be opened from 12th-19th June. Rosario:

  • Hotel Presidente
  • Avenida Corrientes 919
  • (2000) Rosario
  • Telephone No. 41245

Depending on the outcome of the Scotland matches during the first round, a temporary British consular office will be opened from 20th-22nd June.

Dr. Bray

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken to provide consular services and advice to football supporters travelling to Argentina for the World Cup.

Mr. Rowlands

The staff of our embassy at Buenos Aires is being strengthened for the period of the competition and temporary consular offices are being opened at provincial centres in Argentina where Scotland is to play. Detailed discussions have taken place with tour operators and a note containing advice to supporters travelling to Argentina is being made available through travel agents in this country. The advice has been released to the Press and copies have been placed in the Library. Our embassy will be liaising closely with the Scottish Football Association's official party and will be ready to assist in any way it can