65. Mr. DOYLEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that large sums of money have been sent into the United States and France for the purposes of Bolshevik propaganda; and, if so, if he can state what was the method of the Governments of these countries adopted in dealing with such funds?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no information on this matter.
66. Mr. DOYLEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that large sums of money have been sent into this country from Russia for the purpose of Bolshevik propaganda; whether of those funds it has been ascertained that a definite sum of £40,000, derived from the sale of precious stones sent over by the Soviet Government, was invested by Mr. F. Meynell in Government bonds; and whether it is the intention of the Government to attach or confiscate these funds?
§ Mr. SHORTTMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. It has been ascertained that a sum of rather more than£40,000, derived from the sale of precious stones sent from the Soviet Government, was invested by Mr. F. Meynell in Exchequer Bonds. There is no legal power which, on the facts known to the Government, would authorise the attachment or confiscation of the Bonds.
§ Mr. BILLINGDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the time has come when the Government might take power to confiscate money which is sent to this country purely for the purpose of revolutionary propaganda?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf the hon. Member wants an answer, the proper way is to put a question down.
§ Mr. DEVLINThey think they are in a music hall.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe whole matter requires consideration before reply.