Diplomatic Missions: Parking Fines

Debate between Earl of Courtown and Lord Wright of Richmond

Wednesday 21st October 2015 Lords Chamber

[The Earl of Courtown]

I could not agree more with the noble Lord, Lord West. I was wondering what the sting in the tail would be. As we joked beforehand, he was going to suggest that we tab No. 10.

[Lord Wright of Richmond (CB)]

My Lords, will the noble Earl please tell the House whether there are parking or other fines which other people have tried to charge us for, for instance in New York, and do we pay them or not?

[The Earl of Courtown]

My Lords, as the noble Lord, Lord Wright of Richmond, is very aware, our staff from his old department, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, pay their fines and abide by the regulations as much as they can.

Lisbon: Lapa Palace

Debate between Earl of Courtown and Lord Wright of Richmond

Monday 20th July 2015 Lords Chamber

[The Earl of Courtown]

I do not think so. My noble friend, with his great experience, informs the House of what happened a number of years ago. I assure him that, as I said earlier, any decisions or requests to sell any of these designated residences would have to go over the desk of my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary.

[Lord Wright of Richmond (CB)]

My Lords, is the Minister aware that during my time as head of the Diplomatic Service there was a proposal from the Treasury that we should sell the British ambassador’s residence in Tokyo? We were able to persuade the Treasury that this would not be a sensible idea, since it had been a gift from the former Emperor of Japan in exchange for a peppercorn rent.

[The Earl of Courtown]

As ever, the noble Lord, Lord Wright of Richmond, informs the House with his great knowledge.