§ Ms Harriet HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy in respect of British citizens in Sierra Leone.
§ Mr. BaldrySince 26 January, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been advising dependents and those with no pressing need to stay in Sierra Leone, to leave. Many have already done so, but we estimate that 200 British nationals with the right of abode in the United Kingdom remain in Sierra Leone.
§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the situation in Sierra Leone.
§ Mr. BaldryI refer the hon. Lady to my written answer of 30 January, columns493–94 to the hon. Member for Clydebank and Milngavie (Mr. Worthington).
The security situation in Sierra Leone continues to give cause for concern. Seventeen abducted foreign nationals, including six Britons, remain in captivity: we are working to secure their release. Large numbers of Sierra Leoneans have been displaced by the conflict, with damaging consequences for the economic and social structure of the country. We have given some £500,000 in emergency aid this financial year to help Sierra Leonean victims of this war, and stand ready to provide further such help. Special representatives of the UN and Commonwealth Secretaries-General have now arrived in Sierra Leone, and we continue to give our strong support to efforts to bring about a settlement to the conflict.
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§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people have been killed in Sierra Leone since disturbances started in 1991.
§ Mr. BaldryThere are no official figures, but unofficial estimates vary between 15,000 and 20,000 deaths.