§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the authorities in Saudi Arabia regarding the permitting of public Christian worship by United Kingdom citizens resident in that Kingdom.
§ Mr. LuceI have no plans to do so, but I can assure my hon. Friend that protecting the interests of United Kingdom citizens in Saudi Arabia is clearly a high priority and that Ministers attach importance to this work.
§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements are made 130W by United Kingdom embassies in Arab League countries where the construction of Christian places of worship is forbidden, for diplomatic staff or British citizens working in those countries to attend Christian worship within embassy property if they so wish.
§ Mr. LuceThe difficulty is not a widespread one, but we are of course concerned that British subjects in all countries should be able to worship in private groups in accordance with their conscience. In places where problems may occur, the embassy monitors the situation closely in consultation with concerned members of the British community, and endeavours to ensure that suitable arrangements for worship are made. These may include worship within embassies.