§ 48. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the appeal which has just been made in Russia by Mr. A. J. Cook, the secretary of the Miners' Federation, for further financial aid from the Russian Soviet authorities for the purpose of making the necessary preparations for a revolution in Great Britain; and whether anything has been done by the Government to prevent money being sent to this country from Russia for revolutionary purposes subversive of our national institutions?
§ Captain HACKINGThe attention of my right hon. Friend has been called to the reports of Mr. Cook's 2558 speeches in Russia. I hope they have been noted also by his fellow trade unionists in this country. As regards any further moneys that may be sent from Moscow, I would refer to the very full statement made by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary in answer to a question in this House on 17th June last.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWill Mr. Cook be allowed to return to this country with this Russian money intended to promote revolution?
§ Captain HACKINGI can assure my hon. Friends that the whole situation is being most carefully watched.
§ Sir W. DAVISONAs this is a very serious matter, may I ask my hon. and gallant Friend whether his Department are quite sure that they have sufficient power, and if they have not sufficient power will they take power, to prevent British citizens preaching treason abroad and then coming back to this country.
§ Captain HACKINGI think it would be in the best interests of the country to leave the matter where it at present stands. We are watching the position very carefully.
§ Mr. N. MACLEANDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that poverty is a national institution in this country and ought not to be overturned?