§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will detail in the Official Report the exact advice recently given to British citizens currently residing and working in Libya.
§ Mr. EggarA letter was sent to members of the British community by the head of the British interests section of the Italian embassy in Tripoli on 27 April. Its text was as follows
Although no incident of harassment of British citizens has been reported to me, I have to advise you that if you or your spouse and children have no urgent need to remain in this country, you or they should leave it as soon as possible. It is wise to do so while normal scheduled flights are available as there is no certainty that it will be possible to improvise an evacuation by other means if the Airports close.British companies operating here should ensure that they have no excess staff. It is, of course, your responsibility to decide whether or not to act on this advice and you should take into account that Colonel Qadhafi has said that foreign workers, including British and US citizens, are welcome to stay. However you decide, would you please let me know your decision?461WIf you intend to stay and have not registered with the British Interests Section, you should do so immediately by telephone. The number is 31191. The information you give is treated as strictly confidential and may not be passed on even to other Government Departments. You may use the same number to obtain further information.
§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now recommend to all British citizens currently residing and working in Libya that they should leave the country; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarWe have made it clear since the break in relations in April 1984 that British citizens choosing to live and work in Libya do so on their own responsibility and that our ability to provide consular assistance and protection is limited.