§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the French Government over the disappearance of British citizen Clive Allison in Lyon on 25 April and subsequent events. [43359]
§ Mr. FatchettFollowing Mr. Allison's disappearance our Consulate in Lyon contacted the French Police who confirmed that they had already circulated his details as a missing person. On 29 April they issued a "search notice" to all police forces and hospital emergency units. A body was found in the Saone on 4 May and identified the next day as Mr. Allison.
The police investigation into Mr. Allison's death is continuing.
§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek reports upon the steps taken by(a) the British Consulate in Lyon and (b) the French authorities following the reported disappearance of British citizen Clive Allison in Lyons on 25 April; and if he will make a statement. [43358]
§ Mr. FatchettOur Consul in Lyon has provided a full report of action taken by consular staff and French police when informed of the disappearance of Mr. Allison.
We are satisfied that the French authorities and our consular staff did all they properly could to help Mr. Allison's friends and relatives. Our consular staff cannot investigate the disappearance of a British citizen; that is a job for the police. In this case there was no reason to suspect foul play was involved and the police acted according to normal practice when dealing with missing persons.
Following the discovery of Mr. Allison's body the police opened an investigation, which is continuing.
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