HC Deb 20 July 1955 vol 544 cc358-9
16. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how far the number of British subjects employed in the foreign service abroad and enjoying diplomatic immunity exceeds the number of persons enjoying similar immunity in this country.

Lord John Hope

On the basis of the available information the number of British subjects employed in Her Majesty's Foreign Service abroad and enjoying diplomatic immunity is approximately 1,850. The number of persons at present enjoying diplomatic immunity as members of foreign diplomatic missions in this country is 2,517.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Will the Minister confirm that it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to press on until we have complete equality of immunisation as between British subjects overseas and foreign diplomats in London? We want some sort of parity in this.

Lord John Hope

Yes, Sir, and of immunity also.

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