HC Deb 24 May 1928 vol 217 cc2062-4
Sir W. DAVISON

(by Private Notice): asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can now inform the House as to the results of his inquiry into the sources from which the Russian Soviet Government finance subversive propaganda in this country, and what action he proposes to take to prevent similar activities on the part of the Soviet authorities in the future?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

On a point of Order. May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the fact that the hon. and gallant Member for Hitchin (Major Kindersley) has a question on this subject on the Paper?

Mr. SPEAKER

What number?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

It is No. 7— To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he can give the House any further information as to the transmission of money to Communist agents by a Russian hank in this country. This question was not asked, and my point was whether, in that case, the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) is in order in asking his question as a private notice question?

Mr. SPEAKER

I do not think it covers exactly the same ground, although there is some similarity.

Sir W. DAVISON

On a point of Order. Mine is a wider question, and the Home Secretary previously said that he would give this information before the House rose for Whitsuntide.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I had hoped to make a statement before the House rose, but, as the House knows, I have been very pressed lately, and I am afraid that I must ask my hon. Friend to postpone his question. I am taking away a mass of papers on this subject to read during the holidays.

Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman is continuing to receive the voluntary cooperation and assistance of the bank concerned in making his inquiries?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Yes. Up to the day before yesterday I received information which they were good enough to supply.

Mr. MAXTON

Will the Home Secretary be advised by me and not spend his holiday in any such foolish way?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I am always grateful to the hon. Member for his advice and co-operation.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury if, when the statement is made on this matter, which so interests hon. Members in this House, it can be made at a time when there will be a possibility of delving further into the matter? Could it be debated, as it is a very important matter?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Commander Eyres Monsell)

I must ask for notice of that question.