HC Deb 06 February 1941 vol 368 c1070
22. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Home Secretary whether he will now inquire into the amount of financial subsidy received by the "Daily Worker" and the "Week" and the source from which it has come?

Mr. H. Morrison

I understand my hon. Friend's suggestion to be that there may have been a subsidy which the recipients would be anxious to conceal. If this should be so, I would point out that any inquiries would not be facilitated by a public statement from me.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it possible now to clear up this controversy as to whether the "Daily Worker" received financial assistance from the Soviet Union? Is there any evidence to that effect?

Mr. Morrison

I have nothing to add to the answer I have given.

Mr. Shinwell

Then are we to understand that there is no evidence that the "Daily Worker" received financial assistance from the Soviet Union?

Mr. Morrison

I have nothing to add to the answer I have given.

Mr. Thorne

Would not all this controversy he averted if every organisation were compelled to publish its balance-sheet in the same way as the trade unions?

Mr. Morrison indicated assent.