HL Deb 09 March 2004 vol 658 c154WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there are international legal rules forbidding surveillance on communications to and from United Nations offices and the homes of foreign ambassadors; and, if so, whether the Government are bound to comply with those rules. [HL1572]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations of 1946, to which the United Kingdom is a party, sets out certain privileges and immunities enjoyed by the United Nations. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations provides for certain privileges and immunities for,inter alia, the residences of diplomatic agents. Like all other governments who are parties. Her Majesty's Government are under an obligation to comply with both of these conventions in accordance with international law.