HC Deb 07 June 1985 vol 80 c270W
Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice Her Majesty's Government give to intending travellers to Nigeria regarding their personal safety in that country.

Mr. Rifkind

We are ready to give appropriate advice on personal safety to intending travellers to Nigeria depending on the nature of their visit and the areas to be visited. In general, we advise travellers to take all sensible precautions against, for example, armed robbery, muggings and petty theft, including handbag snatching; to leave valuables in a safe place; and, if they wish, to check on arrival with the British high commission in Lagos or the deputy high commission in Kaduna on any specific local problems. Our geographic department in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is, of course, ready to give advice based on background knowledge of the country and the latest advice from the British high commission, Lagos.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what instructions are given to officials in his Department concerning the nature of the information they should make available to hon. Members seeking advice on behalf of constituents about current circumstances in Nigeria.

Mr. Rifkind

The instructions given to officials in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are that they should give hon. Members advice on current circumstances in Nigeria based on the latest information on the subject received from the British high commission in Lagos. Though we endeavour to give hon. Members every assistance, our resources are limited and we cannot give detailed briefing at short notice covering all aspects of current circumstances in Nigeria.

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