HC Deb 24 May 1950 vol 475 cc2034-6
11. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the British-Czechoslovak Friendship League of Pont Street, Chelsea, is the main organ of Czech Communist propaganda in the United Kingdom; and whether he is prepared to permit their work to continue on its present lines in view of the Czech action in closing down the British Council and the British Information Service in Prague.

Mr. Ernest Davies

The British-Czechoslovak Friendship League is not an official Czechoslovak body but a British institution with British executive officers. It is consequently in a different position from organs of the Czechoslovak Embassy. A close watch is being kept upon the activities of the League, and His Majesty's Government hope that all its British members and supporters will draw appropriate conclusions from the Czechoslovak Government's action in suppressing British cultural and information activities in Prague.

Major Beamish

Is the Under-Secretary aware that the so-called British-Czechoslovak Friendship League is largely financed and organised by the Czechoslovak Government and is, therefore, an agency of the Czechoslovak Embassy in this country? Does he get any particular satisfaction from the fact that until a few hours ago it was under the chairmanship of one of his colleagues on that side of the House?

Mr. Davies

We understand that the British-Czechoslovak Friendship League has been in receipt of a subsidy from the Czechoslovak Embassy, but that does not constitute it an agency of the Embassy. It is not an agency of the Czechoslovak Government; it is a British institution registered as a British club.

Mr. Eric Fletcher

Is the Minister aware that the activities of this League are bitterly resented by a great many Czechoslovak refugees in this country?

Dr. Barnett Stross

Is my hon. Friend aware, first, that there is already a sufficiency of malice and hatred in international affairs and that we should not contribute any further to that ourselves? Second, is he aware that if any hon. Member opposite is worried about this particular organisation, he is welcome to join it and look at it for himself?

Miss Horsbrugh

In view of that suggestion that hon. Members might join this organisation, does not the Minister think that a great many hon. Members would not like to be subsidised by the present Czechoslovak Government?

Mr. Davies

That is entirely a question for hon. Members.

Major Beamish

In view of the idiotic nature of the Minister's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the first possible opportunity.

Mr. Speaker

If I heard the hon. and gallant Member correctly he said, "In view of the idiotic nature…" I think the proper wording is, "Owing to the unsatisfactory nature." I do not think he ought to add to that. I therefore ask him to say, "Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply…"

Major Beamish

I readily apologise, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. S. Silverman

On a point of order. [Interruption.]

Hon. Members

Go on.

Mr. S. Silverman

I prefer to wait until I can be heard.

Mr. Speaker

Is the hon. Member addressing me?

Mr. S. Silverman

Yes, Sir. On a point or order. Do I understand that you ruled just now that the use of the word "idiotic" was unparliamentary? If that is so, is it not the custom of this House that, when a word has been used that you have ruled to be unparliamentary, it should be immediately withdrawn as well as apologised for?

Mr. Speaker

Certainly not. If I want a word withdrawn, I say it shall be withdrawn. It is not for the hon. Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. S. Silverman) to say whether I should order a word to be withdrawn or not.

Mr. S. Silverman

Are we then to understand from what you have just said, Sir, that it is a matter within the discretion of the Chair as to whether an unparliamentary expression should be withdrawn or not?

Mr. Speaker

Certainly. It is within my discretion entirely. Often I do not ask for a word to be withdrawn if I do not so desire.