Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 January 2003. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Thursday, 23 January 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when his Department updated the FCO travel advice concerning the increased terrorist threat to visitors to Zanzibar; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when his Department updated the FCO travel advice concerning the increased terrorist threat to visitors to Zanzibar; and if he will make a statement. [92171] Mr. Straw: The FCO travel advice for Tanzania, which includes Zanzibar, was last up-dated on 15 January 2003. The Travel Advice notice already gave appropriate warnings to British travellers of the risks involved in going to Tanzania--including Zanzibar. The revised advice included additional information about the risks on Zanzibar but did not change the advice. Our advice throughout this period has been in line with that of both the Americans and the Australians-- all of us warned that there were dangers in travelling to east Africa in general and to Zanzibar specifically; none of us advised against travel. Australia up-dated its advice on 16 January in line with changes in UK and US advice. The French amended their advice on 17 January.

Secondary information