§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why officials from his Department advised Mrs. Molly Maher of 28 Singleton road, Brighton, that they had no power to obtain or provide local assistance in interpretation facilities or provide advice and assistance to British citizens contemplating civil actions abroad; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveFormal interpretation/translation services overseas are not provided by consular officials, although at times they are able to assist informally. Consular officials cannot give legal advice to British citizens in general or specific terms on civil actions abroad. It is for the individual's own lawyers to recommend whether a case should be instituted and how it should be carried through.
In this instance Mrs. Maher's lawyer elected to serve papers through legal rather than diplomatic channels. However, Mrs. Maher has been in regular contact both with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British embassy, Madrid, which has been checking and advising her of progress.