§ 67. Sir PARK GOFFasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Proofkovski, Communist, who has several times been convicted in this country and who, during the general strike, was again convicted and sentenced to be deported, has yet been deported to Russia?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Captain Hacking)The answer is in the negative. A deportation order has already been made against this man, and my right hon. Friend gave instructions for its enforcement the other day. Although, however, the man was in possession of valid national recognition as a citizen of the Soviet Union, the master of the ship in which he should have sailed refused on some technical plea to take him on board. Appropriate steps are being taken, and meantime the man continues to serve his sentence.
§ Sir P. GOFFIf a master of a ship refuses to take a deported man, cannot the Customs officials refuse to give that ship a clearance?
§ Captain HACKINGWe are taking the appropriate measures. I cannot say more than that for the moment.
§ Mr. MONTAGUECan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say, with reference to the wording of this question, whether this person has been convicted of being a Communist?
§ Captain HACKINGI must have notice of that question.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman say he cannot answer, in general, whether people are being convicted of being Communists?
§ Captain HACKINGThis man was convicted of breaking the law, whether he was a Communist or not.