§ 5. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now consider legislation to curb the abuse of parking facilities, including the non-payment of fines by diplomats and others entitled to immunity.
§ Mr. BrittanNo, Sir. The privilege of immunity from criminal jurisdiction—and therefore from any obligation to pay parking fines—is one which Her Majesty's Government are obliged to grant to diplomatic agents by virtue of their acceptance of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations. Privileges afforded by that convention cannot be unilaterally withdrawn.
§ Mr. JannerDoes not the Minister agree that far too many of our otherwise welcome guests are abusing the hospitality of this country and that they should obey the laws of Britain while they are here? As so many of them are abusing our hospitality in so many ways, has not the time come to call for an international inquiry into the limits that should be 1711 placed on diplomatic immunity and on those who enjoy it?
§ Mr. BrittanI share the hon. and learned Gentleman's concern about abuse, though I am not sure that I agree about how to approach the matter. I remind him that representations are made to the missions that are most guilty of abuse and there is a follow-up monthly. I also remind the House of something which may not be so well known, namely that the police have the right to remove vehicles, even those belonging to diplomats, that cause obstruction. Between 1 April 1979 and 31 March 1980, the police towed away 234 cars.