§ Lord Wiseasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many serious offences were allegedly committed in 1991 by persons entitled to diplomatic immunity; and how many foreign diplomats were withdrawn from their posts in Britain in that year as a result of alleged offences.
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (The Earl of Caithness)Forty alleged serious offences by persons entitled to diplomatic immunity were drawn to the attention of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1991. Serious offences are defined in accordance with the report to the Foreign Affairs CommitteeThe Abuse of Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges (1985) as offences falling into a category which would in certain circumstances attract a maximum penalty of six months or more imprisonment. The majority involved drinking and driving, and shoplifting. Seven diplomats were withdrawn from their posts in Britain in 1991 following alleged offences, as against six in the previous year.