§ Mr. Haleasked the Lord Privy Seal how the present number of 6,404 persons enjoying diplomatic privilege in London compares with that in 1938.
§ Mr. P. ThomasThe figure of 6,404 quoted by The hon. Gentleman includes the privileged personnel of both the Foreign and Commonwealth Diplomatic Missions in London. The number of persons comprising the Foreign Diplomatic Missions (including wives) at the present time is 3,840. The corresponding figure for 1938 was 1,136.
No comparison between the current figures relating to privileged members of Commonwealth Diplomatic Missions and those for 1938 is possible because until the passage of the Diplomatic 55W Immunities (Commonwealth Countries and Republic of Ireland) Act, 1952, there was no legal basis for the grant of immunities to the members of Commonwealth Missions. No information is available regarding the precise numbers of persons comprising the staffs of these Missions in 1938.