HC Deb 13 November 1980 vol 992 cc300-1W
Mr. Straw

asked the Lord Privy Seal when the "General Instructions to Her Majesty's Consular Officers" were last published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office.

Mr. Hurd

The "General Instructions for Her Majesty's Consular Officers" have never been published and made available for sale to the public by Her Majesty's Stationery Office.

Mr. Straw

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will place in the Library a detailed statement of the instructions to, and duties of, Her Majesty's consular officers.

Mr. Hurd

Instructions to, and duties of, Her Majesty's consular officers are now embodied in over 20 volumes of Diplomatic Service Procedure. All these fall within the 30-year closed period. They are internal working instructions, often of a confidential or restricted nature, and I regret that copies cannot be made available outside the Government service.