§ 63. Sir BASIL PETOasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Soermus, the Communist violinist, is in this country; and on what grounds has he been readmitted in view of the fact that he was previously deported for subversive propaganda?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Short)Yes, Sir. The deportation order made against Soermus was revoked in January, 1924, and, since that date he has been free to visit this country if he could get leave to land at the port. Such leave has been granted him from time to time both under the previous and the present Government. In March last, after careful consideration of all the circumstances, my right hon. Friend decided to cancel the condition attached to his leave to land on the latest occasion.
§ Sir B. PETOHas the Horne Office any evidence that the activities of this gentle- 1063 man will be different from what they were when he was deported from this country?
§ Mr. SHORTMy right hon. Friend acts within the discretion imposed upon him by the Statute, and I am afraid that I cannot go further than that.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs this great country of ours afraid of one man with a violin?
§ Mr. BROCKWAYHas the Home Office any information to corroborate the statement made in this House that M. Soermus is a Communist?