37. Mr. DOYLEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that a secret revolutionary movement is being carried on in this country, one of its objects being to abolish parliamentary government and place the executive power in the hands of a small and violent minority; if he will also state whether the propaganda is being carried on by foreign revolutionary agents, and is being largely subsidised with foreign money and money supplied by certain wealthy Britons; and will he make the facts public and give the names of the subscribers?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Major Baird)My right hon. Friend is aware that certain persons are carrying on a revolutionary propaganda in this country with the object of abolishing parliamentary government and setting up a tyrannical Government on the lines of the Russian Soviet. Some of these persons make no secret of their activities. Some of the propagandists are of foreign origin. In one case money is known to have been brought from abroad, and in other cases this is suspected—but the amount is probably not large. My right hon. Friend's information as to British subscribers is not sufficiently certain and complete to allow of his making it public.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs any of the secret service money used for the purpose of promoting these organisations, and can the hon. Gentleman give us the head office of this particular organisation?
§ Major BAIRDI am afraid I cannot usefully add anything to what I have said.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTIs it not possible to have the foreigners who are known to be engaged in this seditious propaganda deported forthwith?
§ Mr. A. SHORTWill the hon. Gentleman publish the names of these people?
§ Major BAIRDIt is rather a delicate matter to deal with, and I do not think anything would be gained by adding to the answer I have already given.