§ 1. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Minister of Labour how many Russian subjects hold permits as employés in the Russian Oil Products Company?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Miss Bondfield)I understand that on 1st May, 1931, 63 Soviet citizens were employed by Russian Oil Products Limited, out of a total staff of 1,258.
§ Mr. SMITHERSIs it not a fact that these 63 persons are Communist agents, and why is this sympathetic consideration given to this company at the expense of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI cannot admit either of those hypotheses.
§ Mr. SMITHERSThey are true.
§ 27. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Home Secretary whether Messrs. Arcus, Chlenoff, Saratovtseff and Birkenoff have permits to reside in this country; if so, when the dates of those permits expire; and has any application been made for their renewal?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Clynes)Messrs. Arcus, Chlenoff and Saratovtseff are in this country for the purpose of taking part in the negotiations on Anglo-Soviet debts and claims. Their stay is not subject to any restriction as to time, and depends, obviously, on the progress of the negotiations. Mr. Birkenoff was given leave to land for employment with Arcos, and is at present subject to a condition requiring him to leave the United Kingdom not later than the 21st June, 1931. No application has been received for an extension of this period.
§ Mr. SMITHERSIn view of the fact that the negotiations of Sub-committee B have broken down, is the presence of these gentlemen any longer necessary in this country, and will they be sent back as soon as possible?
§ Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONEIs not that rather an indecent question?
§ Mr. SMITHERSIs not the behaviour of these gentlemen indecent?