HC Deb 29 March 1999 vol 328 cc503-4W
Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about(a) his policy with respect to issuing diplomatic notes to foreign Governments and (b) his policy in respect of the failure of a foreign Government to respond to such a note. [78749]

Mr. Fatchett

British Embassies and High Commissions use diplomatic notes as a customary vehicle for written communication with Ministries of Foreign Affairs in accordance with accepted diplomatic practice.

There is no set policy if a foreign Government fail to respond to a diplomatic note. They are under no formal obligation to reply. If they choose not to, we would consider what action to take in the light of the circumstances of the case.