§ 7. Mr. RILEYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the distinguished Russian scientist, Pavlov, invited to attend the Edinburgh congress on physiology, has been refused the visa to his passport by the British Consul in New York; and what is the reason or what are the reasons for such refusal?
§ 2. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the well-known physiologist, Professor Pavlov, has been refused a visa for England by His Britannic Majesty's Consul at New York; that the professor wished to come to this country to attend the congress of physiology at Edinburgh to which he has been invited; that he has 2279 been granted a French visa without difficulty; and what is the reason for refusing a visa to this gentleman to visit this country?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. G. Locker-Lampson)I have been asked to answer these questions. My right hon. Friend has no information as to the refusal of a visa to Professor Pavlov in New York. I understand, however, that he has already sailed from America, and no obstacle will be placed in the way of his landing in this country to attend the congress on physiology at Edinburgh.
§ Mr. RILEYWill the hon. Gentleman inquire what were the reasons for which the visa was refused by our Consul?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONWe have no information that it was refused.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs there any general instruction to refuse visas to people who have passports issued by the present Russian Government?
§ Captain Viscount CURZONCan the hon. Gentleman assure us that no interference will be exercised by his Department in the discretionary power of our officer in New York?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONEach case is considered on its own merits.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIn view of the extraordinary case outlined in this question, of this distinguished scientist being forbidden to enter this country, will the hon. Gentleman see his way to inform the ship in which this gentleman is leaving for France, so that he can come here and attend this conference?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI can assure the hon. Gentleman that no difficulties whatever will be placed in the way of this gentleman landing.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNCan the hon. Gentleman say who instructed the agent in New York not to give a visa to this gentleman?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI have already stated that I have no information that a visa was refused.
§ Mr. RILEYWill the hon. Gentleman do as requested by the hon. and gallant 2280 Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy), namely, take steps to have it conveyed to Professor Pavlov that he will be admitted to this country? It is important, because the Press state that he will not come here unless he receives such an intimation.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWould that not be a most unusual thing for the Government to do?