§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if foreign employees of Europol are immune from prosecution while on duty in the UK. [9966]
§ Mr. Bob AinsworthEuropol employees, whether or not foreign nationals, would be immune from prosecution for acts undertaken in the exercise of their official functions. These privileges and immunities, which are comparable with those routinely afforded to the staff of international organisations, are granted only in so far as they are necessary for the proper functioning of Europol. Europol is obliged to observe national laws and to waive immunities where possible in cases where the immunity would impede the course of justice.