HL Deb 17 December 1998 vol 595 c181WA
Lord Lamont of Lerwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or British Embassies have given any advice to former heads of state or former heads of government about the absence of sovereign immunity and the vulnerability to extradition proceedings during visits to Britain; and to whom that advice has been given. [HL332]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

It is not the function of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or of British embassies to give advice on such matters. The interpretation of the State Immunity Act is one for the courts.