§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will publish in the Official Report details of the diplomatic status of Members of the European Assembly when in the United Kingdom; and whether any representations have been made to him or proceedings are outstanding on this matter.
§ Mr. HurdThis matter is governed by article 10 of the protocol on the privileges and immunities of the European Communities. This provides that during sessions of the European Parliament, the members shall enjoy:
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- (a) in the territory of their own member state, the immunities accorded to members of their own Parliament; and
- (b) in the territory of any other member state, the immunity from any measure of detention and from legal proceedings.
Immunity shall likewise apply to members while they are travelling to and from the place of meeting of the Parliament. Immunity cannot be claimed, however, when a member is found in the act of committing an offence, even if the Parliament is in session at the time.
No representations have been made to me on this matter. I am not aware of any proceedings outstanding in the United Kingdom where immunity has been claimed.