§ 24 and 25. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) to how many British subjects, normally resident in the United Kingdom, it is intended to grant privileges and immunities under S.R. & O. 895 of 1946 and by orders made thereunder;
(2) to how many persons, other than British subjects normally resident in the United Kingdom, it is intended to grant privileges and immunities under S.R. & O. 895 of 1946 and by orders made thereunder.
Mr. Noel-BakerI am informed that the European Coal Organisation intend to ask for privileges and immunities under 507 Statutory Rules and Orders 895 of 1946 to be granted to 17 British subjects normally resident in the United Kingdom and to 20 persons other than British subjects normally resident in the United Kingdom. I will communicate the details of the privileges and immunities which are granted to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIs the right hon. Gentleman really satisfied that it is necessary for the efficient working of this organisation that this very substantial number of people should be so privileged?
Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir, I think it is; 11 of them are representatives of foreign Governments, the British—all of them—only receive the minimum immunity from legal suit in respect of their official actions; and I think only two of the officials, both foreigners, receive the wider diplomatic immunity.