To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidance his Department has issued on the marking of (a) Christmas, (b) Easter and (c) other religious festivals in British Embassies and High Commissions overseas; and if he will place in the Library a copy of such guidance. (275437)

[holding answer 14 May 2009]: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office recognises the significant contribution played by different faiths, both home and abroad, to the fabric of UK society. We currently have no central guidance on this matter as we leave this to the discretion of our Heads of Mission overseas. However, I have asked officials to review whether formal guidance is necessary.