§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) why the Islamic Republic of Iran has been permitted to increase the number of administrative and technical staff in post at its embassy from six on 25 May 1984 to eight on 14 February 1985;
(2) why the Islamic Republic of Iran has been permitted to increase the size of its consulate-general in Manchester from 10 on 24 May 1984 to 13 on 14 February 1985;
(3) why the diplomatic staff of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been permitted to increase from 13 on 14 May 1984 to 15 as of 14 February 1985; and what are the specific duties of Mr. Teherani and Mr. Esfahlani which required their accreditation in that period.
§ Mr. LuceThe diplomatic and administrative and technical staff in the Iranian embassy* has increased since May, 1984 from 23 to 27 and the locally engaged staff of the consulate-general from six to nine. The level of Iran's diplomatic representation is kept under close and continuous review. Permission to increase the number of staff has only been given where we have been satisfied that it was justified by official requirement. It is understood that Mr. Teherani is engaged on the administration of the embassy's property and accounts and that Mr. Esfahlani is engaged on political affairs.
* And the consulate-general in Manchester.