To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidance his Department gives to non-Muslim UK citizens working in Saudi Arabia who wish to practise their religion in a congregation; and if he will make a statement. (196297)

[holding answer 25 March 2008]: Saudi Arabia has recently acknowledged the right of non-Muslims to practise their faith in private. But it still does not allow Christian or other non-Muslim religious services. Non-Muslims who contact our embassy in Riyadh are told that practising their faith in public is not permitted under Saudi law.