HC Deb 26 February 2003 vol 400 cc591-2W
John McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many cases dealt with by his Department of UK citizens who have disappeared abroad since 1997 were (a) white UK citizens and (b) non-white UK citizens. [98454]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

We do not compile these consular statistics on the basis of ethnicity.

John McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the standard procedure followed by his Department is in dealing with cases of UK citizens who have (a) disappeared and (b) been murdered abroad. [98455]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

Enquirers concerned about the whereabouts of British Nationals abroad are advised to contact the police in the country concerned, and also to report the missing person to their local UK Police. Consular staff in the UK and overseas keep relatives informed of progress and liaise with local authorities, including to consider institution of a search. When a British National is murdered overseas we would normally liaise with the UK police who would inform the next of kin and appoint a Family Liaison Officer. In the country concerned, we can act as liaison between local authorities and the deceased's relatives, friends and/or legal representatives. Any investigation would be conducted by the local authorities.