HC Deb 27 April 1998 vol 311 cc11-2W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens have sought advice and assistance from the British High Commission in South Africa in each of the last three years. [39703]

Mr. Fatchett

The total number of telephone/postal and personal requests for assistance and advice recorded in our Consular statistics for South Africa are:

  • 1995: 173,300
  • 1996: 303,850
  • 1997: 306,400.

The number of services provided to British Citizens in the last three years by the Consular Offices in South Africa are as follows:

Passport Applications:

  • 1995: 27,000
  • 1996: 28,000
  • 1997: 31,800.

Number of British Citizens provided with financial assistance:

  • 1995: 242
  • 1996: 582
  • 1997: 366.

Number of protection cases related to accidents, deaths, arrests, prison and hospital visits involving British citizens:

  • 1995: 242
  • 1996: 130
  • 1997: 287.