HC Deb 10 April 1940 vol 359 cc542-4
13. Sir Cooper Rawson

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Mr. Joseph Martin, of Brighton, is still suffering from blindness and other disabilities resulting from the brutal treatment he received during his imprisonment in Moscow by the Soviet Government without being charged with any offence and without trial; and, seeing that through the omission of His Majesty's Government to include a demand for compensation on Mr. Martin's behalf in the ultimatum to the Soviet Govern- ment of 2nd May, 1923, although compensation was demanded and obtained in the only two other cases, Mr. Martin has been caused much additional hardship and suffering during the past 17 years, he will state exactly what was the alleged difficulty which prevented His Majesty's Government from demanding compensation on Mr. Martin's behalf on 2nd May, 1923, but which did not prevent the other two claims from being put forward on that date?

Mr. Butler

The decision not to put forward Mr. Martin's case was taken by the then Secretary of State in his discretion. I regret that I am not in a position to discuss the grounds upon which is was based.

Sir C. Rawson

If it is a fact that this was only one of three cases of personal injury, that the matter was investigated with the Soviet Government, and the amount of compensation agreed, can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why Mr. Martin's claim was omitted?

Mr. Butler

I regret to say that the decision was taken by the then Secretary of State and I am unable to give any reason for the decision.

Sir C. Rawson

Are not the Government responsible for the acts of the Secretary of State?

Mr. Butler

Yes, certainly, but I regret that I am unable at this stage to give any reason for the decision then taken by the Secretary of State. As I have informed the hon. Member before, we still reserve the right, and indeed we should be very glad, to forward Mr. Martin's case to the Soviet Government if we thought there was a suitable opportunity for the claim meeting with redress.

Sir C. Rawson

Could not the Government consider an ex gratia payment in view of their neglect to include Mr. Martin's case? On what ground was it omitted?

Mr. Butler

I have already answered the latter part of the hon. Member's Question, and I have already said that we will put forward the case if an opportunity arises. I regret that I cannot hold out any hopes of compensation from the Government.

Sir C. Rawson rose

—

Hon. Members

Order!

Sir C. Rawson

On a point of Order. I do not waste a lot of time of this House, but this is a matter practically of life and death to this man—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member has already put several Supplementary Questions on this subject.