HC Deb 20 February 1981 vol 999 cc238-9W
Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will list in the Official Report the present travel and other restrictions enforced on (a) Russian diplomats and (b) diplomats of the other Warsaw Pact countries in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Blaker

Soviet diplomats and Soviet officials without diplomatic status based in London for longer than three months are required to submit to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, at least two working days in advance, notification of their intention to travel further than 35 miles from central London. Diplomats from other member States of the Warsaw Pact are not subject to travel restrictions.

Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Lord Privy Seal what are the total numbers of (a) Russian diplomats and (b) diplomats from other Warsaw Pact countries based in London at present; and if he has any plans to reduce this number.

Mr. Blaker

47 Soviet diplomats and 110 diplomats from other Warsaw Pact States are at present based in London. There are no plans to reduce these numbers, which, however, are kept under constant review.

Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many (a) Russian diplomats and (b) diplomats from other Warsaw Pact countries have been requested to leave the United Kingdom since May 1979.

Mr. Blaker

None.