§ Gillian MerronTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many serious offences were committed in the United Kingdom in 1996 465W by persons entitled to immunity; and how many foreign diplomats or members of their families were withdrawn from their posts in the United Kingdom in the past year as a result of alleged offences. [5551]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonFrom a diplomatic community of over 17,000 persons, thirty four alleged serious offences by persons entitled to immunity were drawn to the attention of this Department in 1996. "Serious Offences" are defined in accordance with the Report to the Foreign Affairs Committee "The Abuse of Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges (1985)" as offences which fall into the category which in certain circumstances attract a maximum penalty of 6 months imprisonment or more: the majority involved drinking and driving and shoplifting.
Six diplomats or members of their families were withdrawn at this Department's request from posts in the United Kingdom as a result of alleged offences, compared with five the previous year.