§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to support UK citizens of Chinese origin and their relatives overseas following concern over the SARS issue; and if he will make a statement. [111783]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 7 May 2003]: I have been asked to reply.
The Department of Health has issued updated information and advice to all travellers from the United Kingdom about severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) on a regular basis; the last of which was issued on 21 May. We have also secured agreement with some of the major airlines to distribute leaflets in English, Mandarin and Cantonese for those leaving SARS affected areas.
We will shortly be issuing a public leaflet about SARS, which will be made available in Cantonese and Mandarin.