HC Deb 15 November 1934 vol 293 cc2142-3
65. Captain ARCHIBALD RAMSAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a notice was posted at 7.30 p.m. on Saturday, 11th August, in the Cunard liner "Carinthia," while on a course to the northern capitals, to the effect that divine service next day would take place at 10 a.m.; that Soviet officers were picked up shortly after this notice had been posted, and that at 9.45 p.m. a second notice was posted to the effect that owing to the arrival on board of Soviet authorities it was necessary to cancel divine service; will he state for how long the captains of British ships have been expected by the Soviet Government to cancel divine service owing to the presence on their ships of representatives of the Soviet Government; and whether he will take steps to ensure that religion is not treated in this fashion on British ships, either in the interests of trade or any other interests?

The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Mr. Eden)

I understand that the Cunard-White Star Company have issued a full explanation of this incident to the Press, from which it is clear that the Soviet authorities were in no way responsible for the alteration of the arrangements for divine service on the occasion to which my hon. Friend refers.

Captain RAMSAY

Will my right hon. Friend make representations to his colleague the President of the Board of Trade to get into communication with the steamship company in order to see that the normal facilities for British passengers on British ships are not interfered with out of respect for Russian or any other citizens?

Mr. EDEN

So far as I am aware, there is no question of that.

Captain RAMSAY

Then will my right hon. Friend tell me how the question arises?

Mr. EDEN

It is clear that there is no question from the statement of the steamship company.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is it not considered good manners not to refer to holy water in the presence of his Satanic Majesty?