27. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Soviet trading organisation known as Arcos, which was broken up at the time 578 when diplomatic relations between this country and Russia were severed, has been allowed to re-establish itself here in any form; and if he will state whether any of the persons connected with Arcos who were expelled from England on account of their subversive activities have been allowed to return?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Clynes)I have been asked to answer this question. The hon. and gallant Member is incorrect in thinking that Arcos was broken up in 1927. It has continued trading activities. No member of the staff of Arcos who was required to leave this country has, so far as I am aware, been allowed to return, but one member of the staff of the Russian Trade Delegation who left in 1927 was permitted subsequently to return for the purpose of joining the staff of Arcos.
Sir F. HALLIf it is not a fact that Arcos was broken up by the late Government, why was it necessary for such a tremendous outburst of indignation being made by the right hon. Gentleman and his supporters?
§ Mr. CLYNESA good deal of indignation is often aroused without real cause.
Sir F. HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman take care that none of those who were excluded are allowed to return?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe gentleman referred to in this question as having been allowed to return was allowed to return before the present Government entered office.