§ 2.42 p.m.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government if they are aware of the growing number of C.D. (Corps Diplomatique) plates carried on motor cars, and whether such plates are officially recognised and carry any kind of diplomatic immunity, or confer any special privilege upon either the owners or the drivers of the cars.]
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, the number of "C.D." plates now to be seen attached to cars is probably explained by the large increase in the number and size of foreign missions in London since the war. These plates are not issued by Her Majesty's Government, and no official recognition is accorded to them. The plates confer no special immunities or privileges upon the vehicles to which they are affixed, nor upon the drivers or owners of such vehicles.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Marquess for his reply. Do I understand from it that anybody can purchase a "C.D." plate and adorn his car with it if he has sufficient self-conceit so to do?
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, I thank the noble Marquess for giving me the information. Might I ask him this—and I would follow his advice on it because it may be a rather serious matter. Does he think any useful purpose would be served if representations were made in appropriate quarters that the authorisation by those quarters of the carrying of "C.D." plates should be reserved for senior members of the Corps Diplomatique?
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, I think that is probably a difficult course to take. I doubt whether the privilege is abused, but if it is I think it is only to a limited extent. As I said, we have to recognise that the Diplomatic 1805 Corps has in these last years greatly increased. I doubt whether really there is any such regrettable state of affairs as would need any action.