HC Deb 17 April 1930 vol 237 cc3068-70
16. Mr. MARJORIBANKS

asked the Home Secretary whether he has yet received any further information as to the Russian subjects ordered by the Soviet Government to return to Russia, who are liable to be punished capitally under the laws of the Soviet Union, either for non-compliance with such order or for other reasons?

Mr. SHORT

My right hon. Friend has now received a list of the names of the persons dismissed from Soviet organisations in this country, and the inquiry into the position of these persons is being pursued.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Will the hon. Gentleman consider ordinary reasons of humanity in deciding whether to renew these permits or not?

Mr. SHORT

My right hon. Friend is known to be very humane, and I have no doubt that all these considerations will be taken into account.

Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

Is it proposed to make an early statement in the House on this matter?

Mr. SHORT

I should not like to pledge myself, but perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put down a question after the Easter holidays.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

What has happened to the campaign to clear out the Reds?

18. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the present difficulty of deporting Russian nationals back to their own country even when in possession of a passport, he will issue orders that no more be allowed to land in this country until more satisfactory arrangements are concluded which will enable him to deport any who may be considered undesirable?

Mr. SHORT

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any difficulty having arisen where the alien is already in possession of a valid passport. In these circumstances the second part of the question does not arise.

Mr. HACKING

Surely it is a fact that the individuals referred to in question 16 had valid passports to return to Russia?

Mr. SHORT

I think the right hon. Gentleman is in some confusion on this matter. As far as I am aware, there is only one case. I think that happened in 1926, and, as a result of representations, made through the usual channels, the difficulty was overcome.

Mr. HACKING

Have not those Russians valid passports to return to Russia who are under a threat of the death penalty if they do return?

Mr. SHORT

The right hon. Gentleman is now seeking to get me to say something in connection with the inquiry which is going on in relation to these matters. I think that is hardly fair.

Mr. C. WILLIAMS

What happens if they have not valid passports?