§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Lord Privy Seal what measures he proposes to take to aid the council of the city of Westminster to recover rate money on arrears of contributions in lieu of rates, in respect of diplomatic mission premises used by (a) the Iraqi Embassy at Consort Lodge, NW8, and (b) the Uganda High Commission at 58–59 Trafalgar Square, WC2.
§ Sir Ian GilmourThe arrears of rates on the premises at Consort Lodge, NW8 have only just been brought to our attention. I understand that the property648W consists of several flats, some of which are apparently empty. None of them has been accepted by Her Majesty's Government as premises of a diplomatic mission. We are now making inquiries into this matter to see whether there are any ways in which we can assist the council.
The arrears of rates on 58–59 Trafalgar Square, which arose largely from the period 1977–79 when diplomatic relations with Uganda had been broken, have been brought to the attention of the Ugandan High Commission at a recent meeting. The High Commission has been urged to make payment to the City of Westminster as soon as possible.