HC Deb 23 March 1964 vol 692 cc6-7
7. Mr. Thorpe

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, how many persons attached to the South African Embassy on London are accorded diplomatic immunity.

Mr. P. Thomas

Ninety-seven, of whom thirty-two are wives.

Mr. Thorpe

Is the Minister aware that at a meeting, on 28th February, organised to draw attention to South African political prisoners, there were two men standing in the hall, one with a cine-camera taking pictures of the queue forming to come in, accompanied by a second man with a lamp? Is he aware that inside the hall, there was a third man with a camera and flash bulb taking photographs of the audience? Is he further aware that at least one of these men is credibly believed to be attached to the South African Embassy? In those circumstances, will he take steps to ensure that no one enjoying the privilege of diplomatic immunity is seeking to impose the methods of the South African police State in this country where citizens wish to go freely without any check on them by the South African Government?

Mr. Thomas

I am afraid I have no knowledge of the matters which the hon. Member has raised, but I will certainly look into them.