28. Mr. DOYLEasked the Prime Minister whether he has received any information regarding the conscription of labour in Russia by the Soviet Government and the approval of it by the organ of extreme opinions in this country; what action he is prepared to take in order to demonstrate to the working classes the threatened attack on their individual and collective liberty; and if the Government will keep the people fully informed by means of pamphlets, etc, as to the progress of the Soviet conscription of labour?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy attention has been called to various messages issued from Moscow on the subject of the " labour armies" now organised in Russia, and I am surprised to learn that certain organs in this country have expressed their approval of the system which amounts to enforced labour. With regard to the second and third parts of the question, I hardly think that any Government action is necessary to demonstrate to the British public the undesirability of introducing a similar system into this country.
Mr. DOYLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is consistent and persistent agitation and propaganda being carried on in this country at the present time for the purpose of establishing in this country a system similar to that of the Soviet Government in Russia, where industrial conscription prevails?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am aware generally of what has been said by my hon. Friend, but I would rather welcome any encouragement of knowledge of that
§ Mr. W. THORNEDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be a very good thing to make all the idlers in this country work?