§ 2. Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the nature of the cases of religious persecution in Soviet Russia which he has brought to the notice of the British Ambassador to Soviet Russia?
§ Mr. DALTONIn addition to the case of certain Soviet citizens, members of the Baptist Church, which formed the subject of a question by the hon. and gallant Member for East Lewisham (Sir A. Pownall) on the 24th of March, my right hon. Friend has communicated to His Majesty's Ambassador, in accordance with the ordinary routine, such information with regard to the question of religion in the Soviet Union as has been brought to the notice of His Majesty's Government.
§ Sir K. WOODWhat action has been taken arising out of the information that has been given to the hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. COCKSAre these cases of the same nature as the cases of religious and political persecution which take place in English country villages at the instance of the party opposite?
§ Sir K. WOODThe hon. Gentleman has told us that he has had communications with the British Ambassador 1845 enumerating various items in this matter and various cases of religious persecution; what action has followed? What course have the Government taken?
§ Mr. DALTONThose Members of the House, including, I have no doubt, the right hon. Gentleman, whose desire in this matter is to protect persons of whatever nationality from suffering anything that could accurately be described as religious persecution will, I think, recognise that it would not be to the advantage of such persons if detailed answers were given in this House on matters which might concern them, and His Majesty's Government, as my right hon. Friend has on more than one occasion pointed out, have taken the course which, in their judgment, is most likely to promote religious liberty; and I may say in advance that I am prepared to add nothing to this answer.
§ Sir K. WOODInasmuch as the hon. Member's right hon. Friend has taken action and has brought these matters to the notice of our own Ambassador, what general action is being taken? I am not asking with regard to action in particular cases.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSWhat is the real justification for silence in this matter?
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman negligent of the interests of Christians, as is his chief?
§ 21. Mr. MARJORIBANKSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now state to what penalties foreigners are liable under the laws of the Soviet Union who contravene the law against the teaching of religion in Russia?
§ Mr. DALTONI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to exactly the same question the day before yesterday, to which at present I have nothing to add.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSThe hon. Gentleman replied that he had not yet received a certain letter which contained the information. Will he now state when he expects to receive that letter, and, if he does not get it, will he make inquiries?
§ Mr. MATTERSI would like to ask the hon. Gentleman with regard to these questions on Russia in general, whether he will be good enough—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot deal with questions on Russia in general.