§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwelath Affairs what is the diplomatic status of the premises formerly occupied by the embassy of Cambodia at Avenue road, St. John's Wood in the City of Westminster; how much is owed in lieu of rates to the City of Westminster; and who is responsible for the payment of the outstanding sum.
§ Mr. EggarThe premises are not currently used for the purposes of any diplomatic mission. They therefore enjoy neither inviolability nor diplomatic rating relief.
We understand that the City of Westminster has been unable to collect £40,561 outstanding in respect of rates because they have been unable to prove to the satisfaction of the courts that anybody is in rateable occupation. Rates are the responsibility of the occupier of the premises.
We have under active consideration proposals for legislation to control in exceptional circumstances the acquisition and disposal of diplomatic premises in London.