§ MR. SIMON (Essex, Walthamstow)To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a collision which occurred in Golden Lane, E.G., on May 1st, 1906, between a motor car belonging to the Marquis de Jacome Correa, of the Portuguese Legation, and driven by the Marquis' chauffeur, Emile Brouard, and a bicycle belonging to and ridden by Mr. F. Broomfield, of 8, Boundary Road, Walthamstow, whereby Mr. Broomfield was seriously injured and his bicycle damaged by the negligent driving, as Mr. Broom-field alleges, of the Marquis' motor car; and whether, inasmuch as both the Marquis and his chauffeur are protected by their diplomatic immunity from proceedings being taken against them in the English courts, but it is competent to the Marquis to waive this immunity as regards his chauffeur, the Secretary of State will represent to the Portuguese Legation the propriety of waiving this immunity to this extent, so as to enable Mr. Broomfield to sue the chauffeur for damages for negligence.
(Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) The facts stated in the Question are being brought to the notice of the Portuguese Minister. But as the matter is one of diplomatic privilege recognised both here and abroad, no other action can be taken by His Majesty's Government.