HC Deb 20 April 1931 vol 251 cc587-8
29. Commander BELLAIRS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in view of the desire to obtain evidence of the nature of the labour employed in loading timber on board British ships in the northern Russian ports, whether he will instruct the British ambassador to apply to the Soviet authorities to waive the present regulations that prevent the use of cameras either ashore or afloat in Russian ports?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

Such regulations are a question of internal jurisdiction, and I do not feel called upon to instruct His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow as suggested.

Commander BELLAIRS

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman ascertain what is the objection to taking photographs on board their own ships?

Mr. HENDERSON

I am afraid that does not arise out of the question. I have answered the question on the Order Paper.

87. Commander BELLAIRS

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in view of the refusal of the Russian Government to permit experts to investigate the conditions of the prison camps supplying timber to this country, whether he will withdraw the visas from Soviet State experts sent over here to investigate and study methods of manufacture in this country?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Clynes)

No, Sir. The hon. and gallant Member seems to suggest that, as a sort of retaliation action should be taken in this country against individuals who have done nothing to bring deportation on themselves.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Are not the individuals in this country the direct ser- vants and agents of the Soviet Government, and is retaliation, therefore, not plausible?

Mr. CLYNES

Yes, possible, but not justifiable.