103. Mr. DOYLEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has been able to ascertain whether any considerable number of people whose works have closed down, or whose meana of livelihood have been taken away from them through bad trade, are receiving weekly grants from Communist organisations on condition, that they join such organisations and actively advocate the. Communist policy?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir J. Baird)I cannot say that the number of persons receiving money from Communist sources is considerable; but it is undoubtedly the case that during the winter the Communist parties have attempted to exploit the unemployed. The "unofficial" unemployed committees organised in many industrial centres are 1883 chiefly carried on by Communists, who in some cases are paid.
104. Mr. DOYLEasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the considerable sums of money now being spent in Bolshevist propaganda in the United Kingdom; how much this totals per month, as well as the number of paid Bolshevist agents, and how much they average in amount; where the money comes from; and how much is contributed by the Russian Government?
§ Sir J. BAIRDMy attention is constantly directed to the Bolshevist propaganda in this country. It falls under three heads: the payment of salaries to Communist officials, ranging from £5 to £10 a week, subsidies to the extremist Press, and the free distribution of revolutionary literature. An accurate estimate of the amount spent cannot be given, but in December last a Bolshevist agent stated that it exceeded £23,000 a month. The number of paid agents varies according to the amount of money available. There is evidence that some, at any rate, of the money came direct from the Moscow Government, but that was before the signing of the Trade Agreement.
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSIn view of the fact that the majority of these agitators are of foreign origin, is it the intention of the Government to expel them from this country?
§ Sir J. BAIRDThe matter has been dealt with in the question already answered. My hon. Friend knows the ordinary Parliamentary procedure.
§ Colonel ASHLEYHave the revolutionary activities of these men, and the fact that money is coming from abroad, been brought to the notice of the Public Prosecutor, with a view to action being taken by him?
§ Sir J. BAIRDUndoubtedly the Public Prosecutor is the man on whose advice we have to act.
§ Colonel ASHLEYHave you brought it under his notice?
§ Mr. W. THORNECan the right hon. Gentleman give a definition of "Bolshevist"?
§ Sir J. BAIRDI should like to have time for that.
§ Captain W. BENNCan the right hon. Gentleman say on what Vote it would be possible for the House to have a full discussion of this very important question?
§ Sir J. BAIRDOn the Home Office Vote.
§ Captain O'GRADYDoes the right hon. Gentleman read these extremist papers, and can he say what they are? Are they the "Daily Mail" and the "Daily News"?
§ Sir J. BAIRDI do not think those are the papers referred to.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman s Office to take action without waiting for any Vote? Is this propaganda any good to the country, or is it utterly detrimental? If the latter, why cannot action be taken?
§ Sir J. BAIRDThat point will be dealt with in the answer to a subsequent question.
105. Mr. DOYLEasked the Home Secretary if he has any knowledge of the existence of a flying column of revolutionaries in this country who are despatched to centres where industrial or other trouble is threatened, in order to foment disaffection and stimulate the committal of outrages; and, if so, what steps he has taken to counteract such a policy?
§ Sir J. BAIRDIt has always been the policy of revolutionary organisations to concentrate on centres of industrial unrest. The police have dealt with cases of speeches which openly advocate violence or sedition, but there has been a great deal of mischievous propaganda by persons who contrive to keep just within the law.
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSMay I ask the Leader of the House if there is any intention on the part of the Government to try to stop the evil influences of these foreigners, or are they to be left alone?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have not followed closely the questions which were put, and I should not like to answer without notice a question referring to what has been passing. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put a question down.
§ Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSMay I not put a question to the Leader of the House, in view of the statements which we have just heard?
Dr. MURRAYIs it not a fact that the Prime Minister invited Lenin over to this country to address Labour, and was that for Bolshevist propaganda?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs M. Lenin the flying column?
§ Mr. STANTONHe is relying upon the ton. Member for Central Hull here.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHe would not listen to you.