HC Deb 16 May 1927 vol 206 cc896-7
36. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the nature of the diplomatic immunity enjoyed by the staff and premises of the Russian trade delegation?

37. Mr. LUMLEY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the whole trade delegation of the Soviet Government in Great Britain enjoys diplomatic immunity or only the head of the delegation?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Neither the trade delegation, its staff or premises, nor the head of it as such, enjoys diplomatic immunity. The head of the delegation is the Official Agent appointed under Article 5 of the Trade Agreement and the privileges he enjoys are those prescribed by Articles 4 and 5 of that Agreement.

Mr. THURTLE

May it not fairly be said that its Official Agent does in fact enjoy what is known as diplomatic immunity—the Official Agent himself?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

No, I was referring to the Official Agent. There is only one and he is not on the diplomatic list at all and he does not enjoy diplomatic immunity.