§ Mr. Canavanasked the Prime Minister whether she will initiate action to stop abuse of diplomatic immunity by diplomats and members of their families particularly in cases involving criminal offences against children.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government and the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons both reviewed the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations and abuse of diplomatic immunities and privileges in 1984–85. The Government agreed (Cmnd. 9697) with the Committee's recommendation that they should apply the Vienna convention more firmly. That is now our policy. The diplomatic corps is well aware that in the absence of a waiver of immunity we require the immediate withdrawal of alleged serious offenders.