HC Deb 12 December 1966 vol 738 cc11-2W
79. Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will introduce legislation to set up a Diplomatic Immunity (Compensation) Fund to award such damages as under British Civil Law a plaintiff would be able to recover through the courts but for the diplomatic immunity afforded to the defendant, for the convenience of the State.

Mrs. Eirene White

No. First, because in almost all cases where the sending state does not waive diplomatic immunity to enable the matter to be tried, a settlement is reached with the help of the Foreign Office. Secondly, because it would be unjust for any British body to award damages without the question of liability being tried and this cannot be done if the diplomat does not submit to the jurisdiction.

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