HC Deb 20 November 1972 vol 846 cc263-4W
Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many British diplomats are on lists which give them the right to claim diplomatic immunity in Europe, the United States of America, South America, Africa, excluding Commonwealth countries and Arab states, Israel, and the Far East, other than Commonwealth countries, respectively; and how many such diplomats were so protected in 1932, 1942, 1952 and 1962, respectively;

(2) how many British diplomats have sought diplomatic immunity in Europe, in Commonwealth countries, in the United States of America, in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, in Arab countries, in African countries, in Israel, in South America, in Japan, in China, in Taiwan and in Asia, respectively, during each of the last 10 years in respect of motoring offences; and how many of such motoring offences were for obstruction and other parking offences;

(3) how many British diplomats have sought diplomatic immunity in Europe, in Commonwealth countries, in the United States of America, in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, in Arab countries, in African countries, in Israel, in South America, in Japan, in China, in Taiwan and in Asia, respectively, during each of the last 10 years in respect of alleged criminal offences; and how many and what percentage of such offences involved theft and violence, respectively;

(4) how many British diplomats in Europe, in Commonwealth countries, in the United States of America, in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, in Arab countries, in Israel, in South America, in Africa, in Japan, in China, in Taiwan and in Asia, respectively, have sought diplomatic immunity in respect of debts owed by them to individuals, firms or companies in Europe, in each of the last 10 years.

Lord Balniel

As the hon. and learned Member will appreciate, considerable research is involved in providing the information he seeks and, with permission, I shall therefore be in touch with him as soon as possible.