§ 58. Dr. Stuttafordasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied that diplomatic privileges and immunities are not being used to avoid the orders and judgments of the courts of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KershawI am satisfied that diplomatic privileges and immunities, which play an essential rôle in diplomatic relations, are rarely abused. Persons who enjoy diplomatic immunity are not generally subject to the jurisdiction of the courts except where their immunity is waived. It follows that orders and judgments cannot be made against them. Such persons nevertheless are required to respect the United Kingdom law.
§ 59. Dr. Stuttafordasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people have diplomatic privileges and immunities whose job does not normally require their residence in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. KershawThere are 40 diplomatic agents appointed to eight missions who reside outside the United Kingdom. In accordance with a widely accepted practice, they are appointed to serve in more than one country.
In addition, there is a similar number of senior officials of international organisations with their headquarters outside the United Kingdom who enjoy the same privileges and immunities as diplomatic agents.