HC Deb 14 May 1930 vol 238 c1850
8. Commander SOUTHBY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether there is a chaplain attached to the British Embassy in Moscow who is permitted to minister to the spiritual needs of British subjects resident in Soviet Russia?

Mr. DALTON

There is no chaplain attached to the Embassy in Moscow, but, as my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Mr. Marjoribanks) on the 27th of January, arrangements were made with the Soviet Government at the beginning of the present year for a British chaplain to visit Moscow and Leningrad from time to time in order to hold religious services.

Commander SOUTHBY

Can the hon. Gentleman tell the House why there should be any difference in the régime of the Embassy which is now in Moscow from that of the Embassy which was in Russia under the Tsarist régime?

Mr. MARJO RIBANKS

Are we to understand that it is not safe— —[Interruption.]

Mr. THURTLE

Has the hon. Gentleman any evidence that the British residents in Soviet Russia are in acute need of any spiritual assistance?

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