HC Deb 21 March 1938 vol 333 cc831-2
33. Mr. Marcus Samuel

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Communist literature printed in Moscow by the Cooperative Publishing Society of Foreign Workers in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is being deposited in public telephone call-boxes, in some instances bundles of pamphlets tied to a string-loop being affixed to the telephone instrument; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with those responsible and prevent a repetition?

The Postmaster-General (Major Tryon)

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for bringing the matter to my notice. I can find no evidence that any pamphlets, etc., which accord with my hon. Friend's description have been affixed to kiosks; but a few Communist leaflets, printed in London, have been found in kiosks in my hon. Friend's constituency, and possibly these are what he has in mind. The position is being carefully watched, and I will certainly take all possible steps to check this particular nuisance.

Mr. Samuel

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the pamphlet, a copy of which I hold in my hand, and which was printed in Moscow, and is there no way of preventing this non-intervention by a friendly Government?

Lieut.-Commander Agnew

Does the Minister know who is responsible for printing and publishing this literature?

Major Tryon

The question refers particularly to a co-operative society in Russia. I am sorry not to be able to give my hon. Friends more information, but the only result of my inquiries about co-operative societies in Russia has been the news that M. Zelensky, their former chairman, has just been shot.

Miss Wilkinson

May I ask, Mr. Speaker, whether your Ruling relating to Members asking supplementary questions that go far beyond the scope of the original question applies also to Minister's replies to supplementary questions?

Mr. Speaker

I find it difficult enough to check the supplementary questions that go beyond the questions on the Paper.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not the case that all the reports regarding this literature are to the effect that it is very high class and well worth reading?