HC Deb 12 November 1984 vol 67 cc126-7W
Mr. Stanbrook

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent diplomatic bags on entry to the United Kingdom are subjected to scrutiny with the consent of the foreign state concerned.

Mr. Rifkind

Scrutiny of incoming foreign diplomatic bags is confined to checking that they bear visible external marks of their character, in accordance with article 27.4 of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations. We do not scan or X-ray incoming bags. The implications of changing this practice, which accords with that followed by virtually all other states, remain under review.

Mr. Stanbrook

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the diplomatic representatives of the United Kingdom overseas are permitted to give consent to scrutiny of their diplomatic bags if requested.

Mr. Rifkind

We would not permit such scrutiny to go beyond checking that the bags bear visible external marks of their character, in accordance with article 27.4 of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations. We do not scan or X-ray incoming bags. The implications of changing this practice, which accords with that followed by virtually all other states, remain under review.