HC Deb 23 July 1993 vol 229 cc456-7W
Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer on 19 July,Official Report, column 20, if he will seek the views of the female United Kingdom citizens currently employed in the British embassy in Tehran on the imposition of the Islamic dress code.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We are well aware of their views.

Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 19 July,Official Report, column 20, (1) if he will discuss with other non-Islamic countries having embassies in Tehran the imposition of the Islamic dress code on female diplomatic staff, with a view to establishing a common position.

(2) if he will now make representations to the Government of Iran regarding the obligation of female diplomats to conform to the Islamic dress code.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Her Majesty's embassy in Tehran is in touch with other missions in Tehran about a range of issues. It is accepted practice among the diplomatic community, male and female, in Iran to abide by the Islamic dress code.

Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 19 July,Official Report, column 20, regarding the imposition of the Islamic dress code on female diplomatic staff in Tehran, on what occaions male diplomatic staff have been obliged by foreign Governments to comply with dress codes; and if he will give details.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

All diplomatic personnel, whether male or female, comply with the appropriate foreign dress code whenever it is necessary to enable them to carry out their duties effectively.