§ 26. Mr. Walkdenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, upon the occupation or subsequent alteration of the premises of any foreign embassy or consulate in this country, any inspection of such premises and their equipment is made on behalf of His Majesty's Government; whether wireless tranmission apparatus is installed in any such premises; and, if so, whether such installations have the Government's approval?
§ Viscount CranborneOwing to the operation of diplomatic privilege, His Majesty's Government are not in a position to inspect the premises of foreign embassies. In cases, however, where such premises are leased from the Crown, the lessor or his officers would customarily have the right to enter the premises for the purpose of ensuring that the covenants are observed. If wireless transmission apparatus is installed in any such premises, it would not be with the consent or approval of His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. KellyHave any reports been received as to the means of escape in case of fire and as to whether the conditions laid down in the London County Council Building Acts and in the Town Planning measures, to which buildings in London have to conform, have been complied with?
§ Viscount CranborneThat appears to be a completely different question.
§ Mr. ThurtleHave the Foreign Office made representations to the various foreign embassies stating that they would 19 view with disapproval the establishment of wireless transmission apparatus at the embassies?
§ Viscount CranborneI think the position is quite well known. It is the universal practice of His Majesty's Government when they receive inquiries from missions for permission for the use of wireless to make it clear that permission for the use of transmission apparatus is confined to British subjects.