HC Deb 09 March 1966 vol 725 cc579-80W
Commander Courtney

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the diplomatic privileges and immunities set out in the Anglo-Soviet Consular Convention signed in Moscow on 2nd December, 1965, differ from those laid down by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations in respect of other countries with which Her Majesty's Government maintains consular relations.

Mr. Padley

The Anglo-Soviet Consular Convention accords to staff at consular posts priviliges and immunities corresponding to those accorded to diplomatic agents under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. This means that on the entry into force of the Convention such staff will be entitled to receive privileges and immunities commensurate with those received by corresponding categories of staff in the diplomatic missions in Moscow and London respectively.

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is not concerned with consular privileges and immunities; the United Kingdom accords consular privileges and immunities on the basis of the relevant international agreements and general international practice.