HC Deb 24 April 1980 vol 983 cc251-2W
Mr. Arnold

asked the Lord Privy Seal what restrictions, if any, are at present imposed by the Iranian Government on the movement of members of staff of Her Majesty's Embassy, Tehran.

Mr. Hurd

None.

Mr. Arnold

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in the light of the Prime Minister's statement to the House on Monday 14 April, it is proposed to make any changes in the staffing arrangements of Her Majesty's Embassy, Tehran.

Mr. Hurd

Following the discussions of the European Community Foreign Ministers meeting in Luxembourg on 21 and 22 April, we are reducing our Embassy staff to 5 United Kingdom-based officers.

Mr. Arnold

ask the Lord Privy Seal whether the staffing level of Her Majesty's Embassy, Tehran has been changed since the reduction of staff in December 1979.

Mr. Hurd

Yes. The staff was gradually increased from eight United Kingdom-based officers in early January to 24 United Kingdom-based officers in mid-April. It has now been reduced to five.

Mr. Arnold

ask the Lord Privy Seal what are the numbers and respective grades of members of staff of Her Majesty's Embassy, Tehran currently engaged in (a) political, (b) economic-commercial and (c) consular duties.

Mr. Hurd

Besides the Ambassador, there were three political officers, three commercial, three consular and 15 support staff.

With effect from 22 April, the number of United Kingdom-based staff will be five—four diplomatic staff and one other supporting officer.