§ 26. Mr. Joynson-Hicksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the number of motor cars now entitled to duty-free licences in respect of their diplomatically privileged ownership has increased from 294 in 1939 to 780 in 1949; and whether he will now consider taking steps to make it an offence for other motor cars to carry a Corps Diplomatique plate.
72W
§ Mr. EdeI am aware of the information given to the House by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. A C.D. plate confers no exemption from the ordinary traffic regulations, Diplomatic immunity from prosecution depends on the status of the individual and does not attach to his car. I am not aware of any mischief connected with the use of C.D. plates calling for action on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.