§ Mr. Geoffrey Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions have been given to the Metropolitan police regarding the application of the Vienna convention to demonstrations outside embassies.
§ Mr. HurdThe Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that he has instructed his officers that, in pursuance of their duty under articles 22 and 29 of the Vienna convention—to which the Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964 gives effect — no demonstration or demonstrators should be allowed on any footway or roadway immediately outside any entrance to diplomatic premises in the Metropolitan police district. The instruction extends to people handing out leaflets, petitioning or otherwise supporting a demonstration. Demonstrators are to be allowed within close proximity to and in view of diplomatic premises provided that they create no undue obstruction.