HC Deb 13 December 1990 vol 182 cc480-1W
Mrs. Gorman

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what were his reasons for producing the leaflet, "Get It Right Before You Go"; and whether a request for such a leaflet was received from consumer or tourist groups.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The "Get It Right Before You Go" leaflets are a Foreign and Commonwealth Office initiative. They aim to improve understanding of what consuls can do and to encourage self-help, including adequate insurance and safeguarding of money, passports and tickets by British holidaymakers in order to reduce common, avoidable problems.

Reducing the pressure on consular staff overseas enables them to respond quickly and comprehensively to British nationals needing help in real emergencies.

Mrs. Gorman

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the estimated annual cost of producing the consular leaflet, "Get It Right Before You Go".

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Design and printing costs for the new leaflet "Checklist for Travellers—Get It Right Before You Go" will be £28,000. Additionally, the Post Office's charges for distributing the leaflet with the estimated 2.2 million new British visitor's passports issued annually will be £1 32,000.

Reprint and distribution costs for the original leaflet "Consular Assistance Abroad—Get It Right Before You Go", mainly issued through travel agents, are around £20,000.

Mrs. Gorman

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether consular services abroad are described in leaflets or documents available from his Department other than in the leaflet, "Get It Right Before You Go".

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

There are two "Get It Right Before You Go" leaflets: "Consular Assistance Abroad" and "Checklist for Travellers" and both give general travel advice. The former also explains what a consul can and cannot do for a Briton in trouble abroad, while the latter concentrates on a few key messages, including adequate insurance and safeguarding valuables.

Consular services abroad are also described in the annual review of consular work, but this is not targeted at British holidaymakers and does not include travel guidance.