§ Mr. Cormackasked the Lord Privy Seal whether the staff at present in the Libyan embassy in London have diplomatic status; whether he is satisfied that their credentials are such as to merit their being given the same recognition as that accorded to other ambassadors and diplomatic staff; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdThe legal position is confused because of the unprecedented attempt by the Libyan Government to transform their embassy into a People's Bureau. Certain members of the People's Bureau appear to retain diplomatic status by virtue of their appointment before the formation of the People's Bureau. Other members do not claim diplomatic status.