HC Deb 04 April 1917 vol 92 cc1276-8
48. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Prime Minister if the prospective visit of two Labour Members of the British Parliament to Russia has been undertaken at the request of the Government; if the visit has official approval; if passports will be issued to these Members of Parliament; with what object the visit is being undertaken; if any steps have been taken to ascertain if the visit is desired or will be welcomed by the workmen's council at Petrograd; and if the Government will afford equal facilities to a delegation representing the British Socialist movement, which is affiliated with the Russian social democratic party, which is represented on the workmen's council, and with the revolutionary party led by M. Kerensky?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. This visit is being organised with the object of conveying on the part of British Labour a message of congratulation and sympathy to their comrades in Russia, and the Provisional Russian Government, of which M. Kerensky is a member, have informed us that the visit will be most welcome. I see no reason for arranging any second visit.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Seeing that the right hon. Gentleman admitted that this deputation had been initiated by the Government, will he say what credentials these men have to represent the English labour movement?

Sir W. ESSEX

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that, may I ask whether only one section of this House is to be represented on this deputation? Are only those who call themselves representatives of labour to have an opportunity of conveying congratulations?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The deputation, as I understand, does not consist solely—and, I am not sure, in the majority—of Members of this House. Its purpose is definitely stated in my answer.

Sir C. HENRY

Is it a fact that the deputation will be accompanied by French Members of Parliament?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I know that a similar delegation is going from France. I do not know whether they are going together or not.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Is it not a fact that the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, yesterday, in answer to a question, said that it was inadvisable to send "leaders of thought" as a mission from this country?

Mr. BONAR LAW

These gentlemen are going with the one object of encouraging, so far as they can, the present Russian Government in the prosecution of the War.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question I put to him, namely, what right these men have to represent the British labour movement, and if they are accredited to any recognised labour organisation in the country; and will he say if they are going there at the expense of the Government?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot answer the last part; I should like notice of it. As to whom they represent, the hon. Member is in as good a position to judge as I am. The Government are satisfied that they will serve the purpose.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the men who is going has far better credentials than my hon. Friend over the way?

Back to