HC Deb 21 January 1931 vol 247 cc160-1
4. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the organisation of wireless broadcasting is under Government control in the Soviet Republic?

Mr. DALTON

Regulations regarding the degree of Government control exercised over wireless broadcasting in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics are contained in a decree of the People's Commissars of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics of the 15th of February, 1929, as amended in 1930. I will send a translation of this decree to the right hon. Gentleman, if he desires to see it.

Mr. HACKING

I would like to have that document. Does the answer mean that the Soviet Government have control over broadcast talks? If so, does it mean that the Soviet Government hold themselves responsible for the broadcast talks which have been so damaging to this country?

Mr. DALTON

Perhaps I had better let the right hon. Gentleman have the copy of the decree in order that he may form his own opinion.

Mr. HACKING

Cannot the hon. Gentleman form his own opinion?

Mr. DALTON

Opinions might differ between myself and the right hon. Gentleman. This is a somewhat long decree, and, if I am asked to summarise it, I would say that there is some degree of Government control. The precise degree is indicated in the decree, which I am offering to let the right hon. Gentleman see in extenso.

14. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any broadcast of propaganda from Russia has been reported to him during the Recess; and, if so, what action has he taken?

Mr. DALTON

The only action which my right hon. Friend has considered it necessary to take is to arrange for stenographic reports of messages broadcast from Moscow during the Recess to be placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. SMITHERS

Has there been any repetition of broadcasting from Russia during the Recess?

Mr. DALTON

Various wireless talks have been broadcast from Moscow. Copies of these have been supplied by the Postmaster-General to the Foreign Office. My right hon. Friend has directed that copies are to be placed in the Library of the House where the hon. Member and others who are interested can read them.

Mr. ERNEST WINTERTON

In view of their unfriendly character and their damaging effect upon good relations, will the Under-Secretary of State—

Mr. SPEAKER

Commander Bellairs.