Soviet Trade Union Delegation (Visas)

HC Deb 14 December 1950 vol 482 cc1333-4

38. Major Guy Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for visas he has received from persons wishing to visit this country as part of the Ukrainian Trade Delegation under the auspices of the Scottish Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Association; and how many of such applications he has granted.

Mr. Ede

Six applications were originally received for visas to enable a Soviet trade union delegation, headed by the President of the Ukrainian Council of Trade Unions, to visit Scotland under the auspices of the society mentioned. In all six cases the grant of a visa for a short visit was authorised. Subsequently, the leader of the delegation fell sick and an application for the grant of a visa to a substitute has just been received and has been authorised.

Major Lloyd

Is the Home Secretary aware that many people in Scotland are very much concerned at this prospective visit, and that they profoundly distrust its motives? Is he further aware that they suspect it may be used for spying, and that they do not wish to show the location of their industries to people who might use that information for some other purpose?

Mr. Ede

Before these visas were granted, I took the precaution of making such inquiries as were open to me, and of consulting the security services, and no objection was raised to the granting of these visas.

Mr. Hamilton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the mining areas, at any rate, we want to foster rather than discourage these visits?

Major Lloyd

Since the right hon. Gentleman has now granted the visas, will he take special steps to watch these men, in view of the mistrust of the people in Scotland?

Mr. Ede

The usual precautions will be taken. Every one of these cases is dealt with on its merits both before the people are admitted and after they come.

Mr. John Hynd

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he will be prepared to extend political asylum to any member of that delegation who does not wish to return to his country?

Mr. Ede

I think my record in that matter is well known. Any application received will be considered, but we shall then inquire into the bona fides of the person who desires to remain in this country.

Major Lloyd

In view of the very unsatisfactory answer and the grave suspicion of the people of Scotland—[HON. MEMBERS: "Which people?"I—I wish to give notice that when we resume after the Recess, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.