§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens were murdered in South Africa in the last 12 months; and what measures he plans to take to promote the protection of British nationals resident in or visiting South Africa. [18216]
§ Mr. FatchettEight British citizens have been reported to British missions in South Africa as murdered in the last 12 months. There are approximately 1.2 million Britons living in South Africa; and some 200,000 Britons visit each year. This Department has a duty to protect their interests and to provide them with relevant information about threats to their personal safety. In South Africa this is undertaken by consular staff at the six British missions 121W there and by the provision of Travel Advice. Since February 1997 Travel Advice on South Africa has been warning potential visitors about the high level of violent crime there. It also advises against visiting isolated areas throughout South Africa and names specific locations in the major cities where care should be taken.