31. Mr. ERSKINEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the cases in Lord Emmott's Interim Report (1920) of the illegal imprisonment and maltreatment of British subjects in Bolshevist prisons, he can say when an explanation in regard thereto was demanded from the Russian Government; whether such explanation has been received by His Majesty's Government; if so, when; if not, what is the reason; and what steps are being taken to obtain compensation for those unfortunate people who, as a result of injuries sustained during their imprisonment, are unable to earn a living?
§ Mr. McNEILLCases such as those referred to by the hon. Member, when brought to the attention of His Majesty's 18 Government, have been taken up singly with the Soviet Government with the utmost vigour, and the individuals affected have been informed at each stage of the negotiations. His Majesty's Government have consistently upheld claims of British subjects in all negotiations which have taken place with the Soviet Government. Unfortunately, it has been impossible to obtain redress in any single instance.