§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Leicester, East on 22 January, Official Report, column 670, which relations of diplomatic staff other than spouses and children under 18 years may be regarded as enjoying immunity from criminal jurisdiction; and if he will specify the exceptional circumstances involved.
§ Mr. EggarWe look carefully at suggestions that anyone outside the normal categories should be regarded as having diplomatic immunity. Our practice is as set out in paragraph 25 of the White Paper "Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges" (Cmnd. 9497).
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§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report such information as is readily available to him on refusals by foreign Governments to waive diplomatic immunity in respect of legal proceedings against their officials for alleged serious criminal offences.
§ Mr. EggarWe have no direct information on the policy of overseas Governments concerning waivers. Our experience suggests that it is infrequent for overseas Governments to waive immunity for the purpose described in the question. Waivers are, however, often granted to enable diplomats to appear in court as witnesses.
§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Leicester, East on 27 January, if he will provide a breakdown of the 77 offences relating to cars with diplomatic registration in 1986, by type of offence and by country.
§ Mr. EggarTwenty-three of the alleged offences were for drinking and driving. The remainder were reported as minor offences (the largest single category was driving without due care and attention) under the various Road Traffic Acts and regulations.