Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Status) (No. 2) Bill

Official Summary

A Bill to provide for corporate status of and for certain privileges and immunities to be accorded to the international inter-parliamentary organisation of national and sub-national legislatures of Commonwealth countries known as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and to its Secretary-General; and for connected purposes.

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Overview

This bill grants the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and its Secretary-General legal personality, tax exemptions, and various privileges and immunities similar to those enjoyed by diplomatic missions. These are subject to parliamentary approval and may be waived by the CPA.

Description

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Status) (No. 2) Bill aims to formally establish the CPA's legal status and grant it specific rights and protections. Key aspects include:

Legal Status

The bill grants the CPA the legal capacity of a body corporate, providing it with a formal legal identity.

Privileges and Immunities for the CPA

The CPA will receive tax exemptions comparable to those given to charitable organizations. Its official archives and premises will be inviolable, similar to diplomatic missions. It also gains immunity from legal processes aimed at seizing its assets, except in cases involving vehicle accidents.

Privileges and Immunities for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General will be granted tax exemptions and, depending on their citizenship (not applicable to British citizens), inviolability of official documents, similar to a diplomatic agent. The Secretary-General also receives immunity from legal action regarding official duties.

Waiver

The CPA can choose to waive any privilege or immunity granted under this bill.

Orders in Council

Orders in Council will specify the exact taxes, exemptions, and the extent to which privileges and immunities are applied, requiring parliamentary approval before implementation.

Government Spending

The bill is expected to reduce government revenue due to tax exemptions granted to the CPA and its Secretary-General. Precise figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA): Receives significant legal protections and benefits, enhancing its operational capacity.
Secretary-General of the CPA: Gains legal protections and immunities in their official capacity (except if a British citizen).
UK Government: Experiences a reduction in tax revenue due to the exemptions granted.
UK Courts: Their jurisdiction over the CPA is limited, with exceptions for vehicle accident investigations.

Full Text

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