HC Deb 05 March 1982 vol 19 cc251-2W
Mr. Cormack

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will take steps to ensure that foreign Governments observe British planning laws when altering or building embassies and other diplomatic quarters.

Mr. Hurd

Foreign Governments are not exempt from British planning laws when altering or building embassies and other diplomatic premises. If my hon. Friend has evidence of any failure on the part of a diplomatic mission in London to comply with planning laws and regulations, he will no doubt give the details to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, within whose sphere of responsibility these matters mainly lie.