HC Deb 05 February 1951 vol 483 cc1340-1
47. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what restrictions of movement in this country, if any, are placed on members of the Soviet Embassy.

The Minister of State (Mr. Younger)

As stated in the reply given to the hon. Member for Cheadle (Mr. Shepherd) on 13th November last, no restrictions on the movements of members of the Soviet Embassy are at present applied in this country.

Air Commodore Harvey

is not that reply a little bit out of date, in view of what has happened since? Does the Minister not agree that members of the British Embassy in Moscow have severe restrictions placed upon their movements? Why should this country tolerate members of the Soviet Embassy wandering all over the country looking at anything they want to?

Mr. Younger

I think that we have been right in showing great reluctance in imposing restrictions of this kind in this country, but we are prepared to do so in the event of further deterioration—I am not aware that there has been recent deterioration—in the case of our people in the Soviet Union.

Mr. Paget

Is it not the position that we have much less of which we are ashamed for them to see?

Mr. Martin Lindsay

In view of the wide dissatisfaction with which the hon. Gentleman's reply has been greeted in all parts of the House—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—will he not look at the matter again?

Mr. Younger

We are keeping the matter under continuous review because, as I say, I think we are right to be very reluctant to rush matters of this kind.

Air Commodore Harvey

In view of the Minister's most unsatisfactory reply, and in the interests of the country, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.