HC Deb 02 June 1954 vol 528 cc1263-4
16. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken to enable Mrs. Khokhlova to rejoin her husband in West Germany.

Mr. Nutting

As was stated yesterday in another place, there are no legal grounds on which Her Majesty's Government could make official representations in a case of this nature to the Soviet Government about a Soviet citizen. They hope, however, that the Soviet authorities will permit Mrs. Khokhlova and her child to join her husband.

Mr. Stokes

Is it not a fact that the only crime that this man committed was to refuse to commit murder? If that is the case, surely Her Majesty's Government can make some sort of direct representation to the Soviet Government for the release of his wife and child?

Mr. Nutting

The right hon. Gentleman will realise that we have to proceed with a certain amount of caution and judgment in these matters. I should not wish to tie myself by any answer to a supplementary question given casually across the Floor of the House to any action which might prejudice the case of this woman.

Mr. Warbey

On a point of order. While recognising that there is widespread interest in this Question, and that it is the sort of matter about which hon. Members would like to be informed, nevertheless, for the sake of future guidance, may we take it that it is now in order to ask Questions relating to matters which do not come directly within the province of the Foreign Office?

Mr. Speaker

Ministers are the real judges of what comes within their province and what does not. A Minister can disclaim any responsibility by declining to answer a question. Sometimes it is difficult for the learned clerks at the Table and for myself to know exactly how far the responsibility of a Minister extends, particularly with regard to foreign affairs, with all these international associations.

Mr. Stokes

Further to that point, Mr. Speaker. Surely this comes within the Declaration of Human Rights to which we have all subscribed?

Mr. Speaker

These are matters which have to be taken into consideration in gauging the extent of Ministerial responsibility.