HC Deb 16 September 1931 vol 256 cc811-2
6. Mr. EDE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has yet received the report of His Majesty's Consul-General at Leningrad on the circumstances of the shooting of Mr, Stephenson, of South Shields, on 18th August, 1931, and on the trials of the sentry who shot him; has he communicated the report to the relatives; and what further steps does he intend to take in this case?

Captain EDEN

The report has just been received, and there has not yet been time for its examination. Apart from the report, arrangements are being made for the collection, from the officers and crew of Steamship "Kingswood," of such supplementary evidence as may bear on the case. Pending an examination of all the evidence available, I can make no statement on the possible course of future action.

Mr. EDE

Will the hon. and gallant Member show me the report; and will he bear in mind that this case has excited the utmost interest and apprehension among the seamen of the North-East Coast?

Captain EDEN

I shall be glad to give any information that I can to the hon. Member. The evidence of the sailors has been difficult to procure from the Steamship "Kingswood," because their ship has gone direct to Durban; but we have made arrangements to obtain their evidence and any information that they can give, as soon as the ship reaches Durban.

Mr. EDE.

May I be shown this report, or a copy of it?

Captain EDEN

Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me an opportunity of looking at it first myself.

Mr. EDE

May I take it that there is no refusal to show the report to me?

Captain EDEN

I think we must leave it at that.

Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSON

Have the Foreign Office asked for compensation for the relatives?

Captain EDEN

Until we have considered the report we cannot ask for anything.