HC Deb 29 July 1931 vol 255 cc2254-5
7. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, for the benefit of British tourists in Russia, he can inform the House as to the official intimation which has just been made in the Russian Press by the Commissariat for Foreign Trade, stating that the inducements offered for tours in Russia in the way of reserved hotel and railway accommodation by the Russian State Tourist Agency as published in this country are without official sanction and cannot be carried into effect?

Mr. DALTON

My right hon. Friend has seen a statement to this effect in an organ of the British Press. He is inquiring from His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow whether it has any foundation in fact.

Sir W. DAVISON

I take it that the result of this inquiry will be published, so that British citizens intending to go on these tours, which are so extensively advertised, may have the information?

Mr. DALTON

Until we get information that it is true, I think we had better, and may perhaps more safely, assume that there is nothing in it, because up to the present time, the In-Tourist, the organisation which is referred to, have conducted a number of these tours, and many people have been out, and, although conditions are not luxurious—nor, I think, are they advertised as such—these people have returned reasonably content with what they have found.

Mr. MUGGERIDGE

Are British tourists in Russia required to comply with the same conditions as Russian tourists coming to England?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Will the hon. Gentleman get a report from the hon. Member for Sutton (Viscountess Astor) and from Mr. Bernard Shaw when they return?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Ask her yourself.

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