§ Mr. Simon Hughesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions during each of the last five years customs investigations have commenced into the commission of drug-related offences by people who have at the time of apprehension or theft claimed diplomatic immunity; what effect these claims of immunity have had on the seizure of drugs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Hayhoe[pursuant to his reply, 11 March 1985, c. 60]: Customs and Excise investigators were faced with claims to diplomatic immunity at the time of commencement of investigation into drug-related offences as follows:
- 1980 on six occasions
- 1981 and 1982 no occasions
- 1983 on two occasions
- 1984 on two occasions
In each case, Customs maintained the seizure of the drugs.