§ 9. Mr. MARJORIBANKSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any representations have been made to him by any religious bodies in Great Britain as to the protection of British ministers of religion in Russia; and, if so, what answer he has given to such representations?
Mr. A. HENDERSONI have received a certain number of communications from religious bodies and private individuals in this country regarding the position of the religious communities in the Soviet Union, but none regarding the protection of British ministers of religion there.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSWill the right hon. Gentleman accept my assurance—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member cannot give information at this time.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that representations have been sent to the Foreign Office, although they may not have reached him personally; and does he propose to take any steps whatever or make any approach to the Soviet Ambassador, for the purpose of having facilities given to British ministers of religion who wish to pursue their high vocation in Russia?
Mr. HENDERSONI am not aware that any such communications have even reached the Department, and I made inquiries this morning.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWill the British Ambassador have his own chaplain, and will special protection be afforded in that case?
§ Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLEIs the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps with regard to the persecution of Christians in the Ukraine?