§ 32. Mr. MARJORIBANKSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what penalties foreigners are liable under the laws of the Soviet Union who contravene the law against the teaching of religion in Russia?
§ Mr. DALTONI have no information on the subject. The actual text of the decision mentioned in my reply of the 7th of May has not yet reached me.
§ 33. Mr. MARJORIBANKSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, having regard to the fact that no foreign minister of religion is allowed, under the laws of the Soviet Union, to pursue his vocation in that country, he will either negotiate with the Soviet Ambassador to secure exceptions to this law for British subjects, or take steps to warn British ministers of religion from visiting Russia, and to safeguard them when visiting or travelling there?
§ Mr. DALTONMy right hon. Friend does not consider that negotiation of the nature suggested would serve any useful purpose, or that any warning is necessary. As regards the last part of the question, I would observe that, owing to the presence of a British Ambassador at Moscow, His Majesty's Government now have at their disposal machinery for the protection of the interests of British subjects travelling in Russia, who are clearly now in a better position than before the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSHaving regard to the answer to Question No. 32, will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to exactly what benefits—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe are now dealing with Question No. 33.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSOn a point of Order. These two questions have a very close relationship, and I am hoping to get a definite answer to Question No. 32, but not having—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member can ask a supplementary question to No. 33.
§ Sir A. KNOXWill the hon. Gentleman consider—