1(1)The Commonwealth Secretariat shall have immunity from suit and legal process except—U.K.
(a)in respect of a civil action for damage alleged to have been caused by a motor vehicle belonging to, or operated on behalf of the Secretariat or in respect of a motor traffic offence involving such a vehicle; F1...
F1(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2)The foregoing sub-paragraph shall not be construed as authorising the enforcement of any judgment or arbitration award by execution on the premises or official archives of the Secretariat.
Textual Amendments
F1Sch. para. 1(1)(b) repealed (7.6.2005) by International Organisations Act 2005 (c. 20), ss. 1(1)(b), 11(3), Schs. (with s. 1(3))
2U.K.The Commonwealth Secretariat shall have the like inviolability of premises, official archives and communications as is accorded by law in respect of the premises, official archives and communications of the mission of a sending State.
3U.K.The Commonwealth Secretariat shall be exempt from income tax and the capital gains tax and shall have the like exemption from [F2the general rate][F2any non-domestic rate] as is accorded by law in respect of the premises of the mission of a sending State.
Textual Amendments
F2Words “any non-domestic rate” substituted (E.W.S.) for the words “the general rate” by Local Government Finance Act 1988 (c. 41, SIF 81:1), ss. 137, 142, Sch. 12 Pt. III para. 39 with effect in its application to E.W. for financial years beginning in or after 1990 and in its application to S. for financial years beginning in or after 1989
4U.K.The Commonwealth Secretariat shall be exempt from duties on the importation of goods necessary for the official use of the Secretariat and directly imported by it, subject, however, to compliance with such conditions as the Commissioners of Customs and Excise may prescribe.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Para. 4 extended by Diplomatic and other Privileges Act 1971 (c. 64), s. 1(1)