§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the numbers 329W of British nationals currently working in Libya; and what are the arrangements for giving them diplomatic or consular protection as appropriate.
§ Mr. RentonThere are approximately 5,000 British citizens currently working in Libya.
Protection is afforded to them by the Italian embassy which represents British interests in Libya. There are two British diplomatic service officials on the staff of the Italian embassy in the British interests section.
§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in view of the prolonged disruption in relations with Libya and the absence of dialogue between the two countries, he will advise British citizens and businesses to leave Libya.
§ Mr. RentonNo. British residents who choose to remain in Libya, and British citizens who visit Libya, do so on their own responsibility and that of the Libyan authorities.