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Phil Collins' phone number among UK travellers' odd requests
11 Nov 2011
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has revealed some of the most absurd and surprising enquiries it has received from British nationals abroad, including one request for Phil Collins' phone number.
A caller in Spain once asked the embassy for Prince Charles' shoe size so they could send him a pair of shoes as a gift, while a man in Greece contacted the consulate for advice about installing a chicken coop in his garden.
Other bizarre queries received by the FCO have related to everything from removing ants from a holiday villa in Florida to the best fishing spots and places to purchase bait in Greece.
The government agency published the list to remind travellers that they should only contact an embassy, consulate or high commission if they encounter serious problems abroad.
Jeremy Browne, minister for consular affairs, said it is important that people understand what sort of help the Foreign Office can provide.
'Our priority is to help people in real difficulty abroad and we cannot do this if our time is diverted by people trying to use us as a concierge service,' he added.
The agency's main responsibilities are helping victims of serious crimes, providing support for people who have been detained and aiding British nationals who have lost loved ones overseas.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
A caller in Spain once asked the embassy for Prince Charles' shoe size so they could send him a pair of shoes as a gift, while a man in Greece contacted the consulate for advice about installing a chicken coop in his garden.
Other bizarre queries received by the FCO have related to everything from removing ants from a holiday villa in Florida to the best fishing spots and places to purchase bait in Greece.
The government agency published the list to remind travellers that they should only contact an embassy, consulate or high commission if they encounter serious problems abroad.
Jeremy Browne, minister for consular affairs, said it is important that people understand what sort of help the Foreign Office can provide.
'Our priority is to help people in real difficulty abroad and we cannot do this if our time is diverted by people trying to use us as a concierge service,' he added.
The agency's main responsibilities are helping victims of serious crimes, providing support for people who have been detained and aiding British nationals who have lost loved ones overseas.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
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