§ Mr. DIXEY(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has seen the reports of political remarks made by Soviet officials at Poplar on Saturday last, in which a desire was expressed to see a Republic in this country at an early date; whether the reports are correct and, if so, whether officials of the Russian Legation or other Soviet officials are to be allowed to interfere in politics in this country, and what action does he propose to take in the matter?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask, Mr. Speaker, whether the privilege of putting questions by private notice after 3.45 is not reserved for ques- 2023 tions of urgency; what was the urgency of this particular question; and why it could not have waited until Wednesday next?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI considered that this was an urgent matter and, therefore, I allowed it.
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy right hon. Friend wishes me to apologise for having to leave the House, and he has asked me to reply to this question. My right hon. Friend is making inquiries into what happened.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this was a perfectly private party, and the expression of opinion by an Englishman holding the same principles advocated by Mr. H. G. Wells in the "Times" newspaper three years ago, and no one took any notice of them?
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the Prime Minister aware that there is a clause in the Trade Agreement which expressly provides that no Russian propaganda will be introduced against this country or against the British Empire, and will he take notice of these activities?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs soon as the inquiry has been completed.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reference which has been referred to was made by a Member of this House?