HL Deb 27 October 1981 vol 424 cc1063-4WA
Viscount Craigavon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To what extent Consular officials are able to offer legal advice or assistance to inquirers overseas.

Lord Trefgarne

Consular officers are not qualified to give legal advice; it is in any event no part of the function of Government to do so. However, posts are normally able to provide a list of lawyers practising locally who will of course be familiar with local law and procedures.