HC Deb 05 May 1930 vol 238 c655W
Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any foreign nations represented in this country enjoy diplomatic immunity for their respective trade delegations; and whether he will favourably entertain from nations who do not possess it applications for such immunity?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

In no country other than the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is foreign trade a monopoly of the Government. There are, therefore, no trade delegations in this country on the same footing as the Soviet Trade Delegation which engages in trade for, and on behalf of, the Soviet Union. The second part of the question does not arise.

Captain MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what number of officials of the British commercial diplomatic service in Soviet Russia enjoy diplomatic privileges; and whether immunity attaches to specified offices occupied by them?

Mr. HENDERSON

There are two members of the commercial diplomatic service at Moscow. They enjoy the same diplomatic privileges as the other members of the Ambassador's staff, and their offices, which are, at present, situated in the Embassy building, have diplomatic immunity.