§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the responsibilities of the British embassy and consulate towards British citizens and their families working abroad on permanent or semi-permanent assignments; what priority(a) these individuals and (b) British tourists travelling abroad receive; and if he will make a statement. [11096]
§ Mr. Tony LloydThis Department's consular services offer world-wide protection 24 hours a day seven days a week to all British nationals abroad. The level of help provided and the priority attached to it is judged on a case by case basis depending on the needs of the individual.
§ Mr. David HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy on the protection and support of British citizens working overseas for foreign-based companies. [11207]
§ Mr. LloydThe protection of British nationals abroad is a front-line responsibility for this Department. Consular staff provide protection 24 hours a day, seven days a week worldwide to all British nationals who need it, irrespective of whether they are working overseas or travelling as tourists.