§ 31. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the restrictions placed by the Soviet Government on the freedom of movement throughout Russia of the British Ambassador and of British trade representatives in Russia?
Mr. A. HENDERSONHis Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow reports that, according to the legislation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, all persons except local inhabitants are prohibited from entering or residing within a zone of seven and a half kilometres of the frontier without the permission of the competent authorities. The legislation of the separate Allied Republics provides in addition that entry into the Central Asiatic Republics shall be contingent upon permission being obtained from the Governments of these Republics. The same regulations are in force regarding the entry of foreigners into the Yakut Republic, and access to the islands of the Arctic is prohibited to any person whomsoever without special permission. These limitations apply without exception to all foreign nationals.
§ Sir W. DAVISONAre we to understand that our trade representatives would have been entitled to visit the lumber camps from which timber coming to this country is derived?
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to extend reciprocal limitations to the Soviet trade representatives in this country?
Mr. HENDERSONI am entitled to have notice of that question; it does not arise out of the question on the Paper.
Sir F. HALLIf the Soviet Government have nothing to fear in regard to these timber camps, would the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the Soviet Government and ask for permission for our representatives to go there?