HC Deb 02 April 1925 vol 182 cc1500-1
55. Sir PHILIP RICHARDSON

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a visit of Russian trade union leaders to this country; and whether he will take steps to ensure that such visit shall not be used for the purposes of Communist propaganda?

58. Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFT

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that members of the All-Russian Central Trade Union Soviet have landed in this country, and whether he will take steps to see that their visit is not used for the purpose of breaking the agreement about propaganda?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I will answer these questions together. Yes, I have had my attention specially drawn to these persons who have been admitted on the assumption that they will confine themselves, while in this country, to the purposes for which they have come, namely, the discussion of trade union matters. I will not now anticipate the action which might be taken if this assumption proved to be incorrect.

Sir H. CROFT

Is it a fact that the free election of trade union delegates in Russia is forbidden by the Soviet Government and that these gentlemen are merely nominated and are not representative of the workers in Russia?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I can answer only as to the rumour that I have heard. I have no official information.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the delegates are duly appointed delegates representing organised labour in Russia?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is not a matter for the Home Office,