84. Miss LEEasked the Home Secretary if he is now prepared to grant the right of asylum as a political refugee to Mr. Leon Trotsky?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe answer is in the negative. There can be no question of any departure from the decision taken nearly two years ago, the reasons for which I explained fully to this House on the occasion of the Debate on the 24th of July, 1929. I dealt then with the misconception underlying the use of the phrase "right of asylum."
Miss LEECan the right hon. Gentleman state why it is possible for the King of Spain as a political refugee to come to this country?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs it the policy of the Government not to admit political refugees?
§ Mr. CLYNESCertainly not; it is not our policy.
§ Major McKENZIE WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Trotsky 615 in his book said that Lord Passfield told him that the Labour Government would be quite prepared to do it if they were allowed by the Liberals?
§ Mr. CLYNESThat relieves me with respect to other unfounded complaints from other quarters.
Sir H. SAMUELHas the right hon. Gentleman received any representations from Liberal quarters against the admission of Mr. Trotsky.
§ Mr. CLYNESNone.