§ 52. Mr. J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many diplomatic protests have been made to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Governments of Eastern European States as a result of improper treatment or imprisonment of British subjects since January, 1946.
§ Mr. MayhewIt is difficult to establish how many of the numerous communications made to these Governments since this date fall within the category described. I regret that the necessary research would involve an unjustifiable expenditure of labour.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltWould not the hon. Gentleman agree that these protests do run into many hundreds and is there no appropriate action between the issue of those scraps of paper and armed force which the Foreign Office can take in order to justify the protests?
§ Mr. MayhewI cannot mention any figure. If the hon. Member has any helpful suggestion to make, I will gladly consider it.