HC Deb 26 November 1930 vol 245 c1281
5. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received a report of His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow on the subject of forced labour in the Soviet Union?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply given by my hon. Friend, the Secretary of the Department of Overseas Trade, on the 17th of November. His Majesty's Government are prepared to lay as a White Paper the principal ordinances dealing with labour conditions in the Soviet Union.

Sir K. WOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the White Paper will include the conditions which are laid down as regards the conscription of child labour in Russia also?

Mr. HENDERSON

I think that is an entirely new point, and I must have notice of it.

Commander BELLAIRS

Will those ordinances include the various ordinances of the Soviet Government for the conscription of labour?

Mr. HENDERSON

I have promised to lay papers.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Does the right hon. Gentleman maintain the distinction between forced labour and slave labour which has been put forward?