HC Deb 04 July 1933 vol 280 c165
35. Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the Secretary of -State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that 18 months ago a, young sailor named David Thompson, of Blyth, attracted by promises of easy money in Russia, deserted his ship at Archangel, and that since then information has been received tending to show that he is at present in a, Russian concentration camp; and whether he will take an early opportunity of inquiring from the Soviet Government what the facts really are with regard to this man, and of suggesting that either he should be placed on trial for any offence with which he is charged or that he should be sent back to England?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Eden)

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend's attention was recently drawn to a report in the Press to this effect; and he has instructed His Majesty's. Charged Affaires at Moscow to make inquiries as to the facts from the Soviet Government.

Mr. HALL-CAINE

Will my hon. Friend consider asking the Soviet Government for a complete list of British subjects who are detained in Russia at the present moment, together with the offences with which they have been charged, and their sentences?

HON. MEMBERS

Answer!

Mr. HALL-CAINE

May I have a reply to that question?