HC Deb 25 January 1988 vol 126 cc8-9W
Mr. Janner

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the joint Home Office/Foreign and Commonwealth Office working group was set up to study the question of the introduction of diplomatic passports; what is the membership of that committee; when it expects to report and to whom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

The joint Home Office/Foreign and Commonwealth Office working group was set up in September 1987 and consisted of officials from the passport department of the Home Office and nationality and treaty department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Its report will be submitted to Home Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers shortly.

Mr. Janner

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from diplomats or their representatives concerning the issue of diplomatic passports by the United Kingdom to its diplomatic staff overseas.

Mr. Eggar

There have been representations from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office trade union side from time to time on this question. It has been a subject of discussion within the Diplomatic Service generally for a number of years.

Mr. Janner

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why, in view of there being to his knowledge no country other than the United Kingdom which does not issue diplomatic passports to its diplomatic staff overseas, the United Kingdom Government do not issue such passports for the protection and convenience of United Kingdom diplomats.

Mr. Eggar

In the past it has not been considered necessary to issue United Kingdom diplomatic passports to assist diplomats in carrying out their duties. In view of changed conditions in the world it was decided to review the position.