§ 47. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the number of British subjects at present in prison in Russia and as to whether any British subjects have been put to death since the breaking off of relations?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONSo far as I am aware, no British subjects are at present imprisoned in Russia, nor have any British subjects been executed since the suspension of relations.
§ Mr. E. BROWNCan the hon. Gentleman inform the House through what channels he gets his information now?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONWe are represented, as the hon. Gentleman knows, by the Norwegian Government, and we get our information through them.
§ Mr. SPEAKERAny question as to the date ought to be put down.
§ Mr. BROWNWith all deference, Sir, this is a very important matter, especially to all of us who represent constituencies on the east coast, where they are very 1434 much disturbed because of this breaking-off of relations. We would like to know what is the latest date of the information which the Minister has given to us.
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf the question is so important, it had better be promptly put on the Paper.
§ Mr. THURTLECan the hon. Gentleman say whether the Norwegian Government are the only source the British Government have at present of obtaining information from Russia?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI have already explained that the Norwegian Government are representing British interests in Russia, and that is the source of our information.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it usual in cases where diplomatic relations are broken off to use the Secret Service for getting this information?