§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Defence what regulations govern the conduct of service personnel of foreign nations on the public streets in Britain; what regulations govern the carrying of weapons on public streets by such people; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyService personnel of foreign nations on the public streets in Britain are subject to the offence-making provisions of British law in the same way as British service men are. However, the system of law under which they are dealt with for their misconduct will depend upon the terms of the Visiting Forces Act 1952 and how it applies to the facts of the case. The carriage of arms by members of visiting forces in Britain is governed by the provisions of the Visiting Forces and International Headquarters (Application of Law) Order 1965 (SI 1965/1536).