HC Deb 16 April 1923 vol 162 cc1654-5
32. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will inform the House as to the action which has been taken by the British Government, in view of the affront to Great Britain contained in the Soviet Government's reply to the representations made by Mr. Hodgson, on behalf of the British Government, in connection with the condemnation to death of Father Butkevitch; and whether, in view of the refusal of the Soviet Government to make redress for the injuries to British citizens for which they are responsible, and also having regard to the continuance of Bolshevik propaganda within the British Empire, an intimation will be given forthwith to the Soviet Government that their trade delegation with its special privileges will no longer be permitted to remain in Great Britain

Mr. McNEILL

I am unable at present to add anything to the reply I gave on 9th April to the hon. Member for the Scottish Universities.

Sir W. DAVISON

Would the hon. Gentleman say what object this trade delegation serves in this country, except to circulate propaganda?

Sir HENRY CRAIK

In view of the fact that a considerable time has elapsed since I put a question on the subject, is it not possible now to announce a decision?

Mr. McNEILL

No decision can yet be announced.

33. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Russian trade delegation in Great Britain have negotiated the sale in this country, on behalf of the Soviet Government, of goods which are the property of British citizens, and what action is being taken in the matter?

Mr. McNEILL

I am aware that in certain cases the title of the Soviet Government to goods sold by them in this country has been challenged, but where goods sold on behalf of the Soviet Government are claimed by British subjects as their property, it is for them to establish their right to these goods by proceedings in the courts.

38. Captain ERSKINE-BOLST

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if it is a fact that the Russian trade commission in London have diplomatic privileges, and are their couriers allowed to bring their luggage through free at the Customs; and if the Government will consider this question very seriously with a view of withdrawing this privilege?

Mr. McNEILL

The Russian trade delegation in London has no regular diplomatic status but enjoys the privileges set forth in Article 5 of the Trade Agreement. Its couriers are allowed to carry sealed bags which are exempt from Customs examination up to a limit of 10 kilos per week. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the question of the hon. Member for the Scottish Universities on 9th April.

Captain ERSKINE-BOLST

Is it not a fact that this so-called trade organisation is repeatedly abusing its privileges, and is it not high time that the whole question was reviewed?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter for debate, and not for a question.