§ 66. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, on 28th February, Mr. J. Bordon, a delegate from the Scottish Miners' Union, returning from a conference at Copenhagen to Prestwick Airport, was subjected to a prolonged examination and closely questioned by the airfield police as to whether he was importing Communist literature; what was the purpose of the interrogation; and under what authority it was made.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. David Llewellyn)My right hon. and learned Friend is informed that, when Mr. Bordon arrived on 25th January, his luggage was examined by the Customs and was found to contain some literature acquired abroad, which was shown to a police officer. Mr. Bordon was not subjected to any prolonged interrogation, nor questioned as to whether he was importing Communist literature. He left 15 minutes after entering the airport buildings. It is the duty of the officers at the ports to make such inquiries as are necessary to enable them to carry out their functions.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Minister aware that I have a statement from this representative of the Scottish Miners' Union saying that he was held up for 50 minutes at the airport, that his brief case was examined for Communist literature? Is it now an offence to bring Communist literature into the country? If it is, how can the Foreign Office study Communist literature?
§ Mr. LlewellynAs to the first part of the question, I assure the hon. Gentleman that the information in my possession is that Mr. Bordon was detained for 15, and not 50, minutes, but, if the hon. Gentleman can produce evidence to the contrary, I would be quite willing to look at it. With regard to the second part of the question, I should require notice of it.