INTERNATIONAL WHEAT COUNCIL (IMMUNITIES AND PRIVILEGES) ORDER, 1959 (Hansard, 11 June 1959)

§ LORD SILKIN
My Lords, we on this side of the House feel that we have no alternative but to accept this Order, but I should like once more to raise the question of the alarming extent to which diplomatic privileges are being permitted for all sorts of bodies and persons. It is a growing business, and noble Lords will remember that my noble and learned friend the late Lord Jowitt was very much concerned with this, and took the opportunity of raising the matter on every occasion that an Order of this kind was put forward. I recognise that the noble Marquess had no alternative but to bring this Order forward, but I feel that I must raise a note of disturbance, of apprehension, at the increasing number of people that walk about our metropolis with diplomatic privileges.

§ VISCOUNT STANSGATE
My Lords, certain inquiries have been made by my noble friend from the representatives of the Foreign Office, and I think that at least we might be told how many people are to receive the privileges and the immunities, and what immunities they receive? Do they pay local rates; are they subject to the motoring laws, and so on? I think that at any rate an answer of some kind is due to the House, and to my noble friend.

§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE
My Lords, I am sure the noble Viscount who has just spoken appreciates that I did not intend any discourtesy to your Lordships by not replying. As the noble Lord, Lord Silkin, is well aware, we on this side are equally as anxious on this matter as noble Lords on that side of the House are. Let me assure noble Lords at once that there is no immunity whatsoever from jurisdiction involved, either for the organisation or for any of the individuals. All I have brought before your Lordships to-day is this draft Order asking for your assent to enable this organisation to have legal capacities, and nothing more than that. In addition, as I have no doubt the noble Lord, Lord Silkin, is aware, there are exemptions 983 from income tax on the salaries of such of its employees as are not citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies. This exemption was conferred by Section 25 of the Finance Act, 1954, in respect of the 1953 Agreement, and it is in conformity with the exemptions granted to employees of the other Commodity Councils. There is nothing in this draft Order which is extending privileges in any way: and I think your Lordships can rest assured that we on this side of the House are just as jealous of diplomatic privileges as any other quarter of your Lordships' House.

§ LORD WILMOT OF SELMESTON
My Lords, may I ask the noble Marquess whether we may assume that this arrangement is completely reciprocal, and that like privileges are being afforded to British citizens abroad?

§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE
My Lords, with the exceptions which I have just explained, that is the case; but as the noble Lord is aware this Council has its seat in London.