§ 3.10 p.m.
§ LORD KILLEARNMy 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 whether the report published in the Press is true that in England and Wales, during the year 1955, ninety-three persons charged with a variety of breaches of the law had the charges against them dismissed without trial, because they claimed, and were entitled to, diplomatic immunity.]
490§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (LORD MANCROFT)My Lords, the report mentioned in the noble Lord's question no doubt referred to a reply given to a Question in another place on 19th December, 1955, by my right honourable friend the Home Secretary. He stated that in the twelve months ended 30th September, 1955, ninety-three cases arising in England and Wales were brought to his notice in which criminal proceedings were not taken against foreign persons as a result of claims to diplomatic immunity being established. All were eases of offences against the motoring laws. Exceeding the speed limit and certain minor matters, such as parking and lighting, accounted for some eighty offences.
§ LORD KILLEARNMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his Answer, which rather disposes of the supplementary question that I proposed to address to him—namely, whether he could break down the figures as between criminal and civil proceedings. The noble Lord's Answer covers that point.
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, I very much hope that it does; it was for that reason that I put my Answer in that form.