§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will institute an inquiry into the number of foreign nationals entitled to diplomatic immunity which enables them to avoid prosecution for offences, including assaults on police officers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KershawThere are 121 diplomatic missions in London, reflecting the importance attached by foreign and Commonwealth countries to representation in this country, and this accounts for the large number of staff needed for representation to be conducted adequately.
At the end of August, 1970, the total number of diplomats, ancillary staff and wives entitled to immunity in varying degrees from prosecution for criminal offences, including assaults on police officers, was 6,962.
When a person claims immunity from criminal jurisdiction the authorities notify the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which takes the matter up with the Head of Mission concerned, who is then expected to take appropriate disciplinary action.
In certain cases a Head of Mission could be informed that the person concerned is no longer welcome in this country.