Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have held with the Republic of Korea and their National Intelligence Service regarding claims by Thae Yong Ho that he took copies of all financial reports and receipts from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Embassy in London before travelling to Seoul; and whether they will act on any information that suggests the DPRK Embassy in London is engaging in illicit activities.

It is the long standing policy of successive Governments that we do not comment on intelligence and security matters. Regarding any allegations of illicit activity, I refer the noble Lord to my answer of 22 June in response to his question of 13 June 2016 (HL607) in which I stated that we treat all allegations of criminal offences committed by those with diplomatic immunity seriously, and work closely with police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure an appropriate response to all allegations.