HC Deb 24 August 1909 vol 9 cc1925-6
Mr. WATT

asked whether, in the majority of countries in Europe and elsewhere, British consuls' envoyés are exempt from Imperial and local taxation of the countries into which they are sent; and whether a similar privilege is extended in Great Britain to the consuls of these countries, so that they are exempt from Imperial and local taxation here?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. Grey)

The only privilege accorded in matters of taxation to foreign consular officers in this country, as a matter of courtesy, is exemption from the payment of Income Tax on their official salaries. On the ground of reciprocity, similar privileges have been claimed and usually conceded to British consular officers in foreign States.

Mr. WATT

Do I understand that in the matter of local taxation these consuls' envoyés abroad are not exempt?

Sir E. GREY

The practice differs slightly, I understand, in different countries.