Dr. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the additional functions on the grounds of which the Indian High Commission in London claim immunity for 805 immune diplomats as against the United States of America's 310 and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic's 256.
§ Mr. LuardThe figures quoted by the hon. Member are of the numbers of persons connected with the diplomatic missions of the countries mentioned who are entitled to immunity in varying degrees. These figures include not only officials but also the wives of the majority of those officials. The numbers of officials entitled to immunity in varying degrees are India 526, United States of America 232, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 138.
The appointments of these officials have been notified to me in accordance with the terms of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations as those of members of their respective diplomatic missions entitled to the appropriate degree of immunity provided for in the convention. Responsibilities on questions of immigration, the large number of Indian nationals in this country and traditional Commonwealth ties may 192W account for the number of officials of the Indian High Commission qualifying for immunity.