HL Deb 12 June 1951 vol 172 c4

2.46 p.m.

LORD MANCROFT

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any information about the present fate and whereabouts of Monsignor Beran, Archbishop of Prague; and whether they have made any representations to the Czech Government on the Archbishop's behalf.]

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, no information about Monsignor Beran has been received since the Czechoslovak Press reported on March 11 that, for allegedly violating an order relating to the status of the Church, he had been fined and sent to reside at an unspecified address outside the diocese of Prague. His Majesty's Government have made no representations to the Czechoslovak Government on the Archbishop's behalf.

LORD MANCROFT

My Lords, while thanking the noble and learned Viscount on the Woolsack for that answer, may I ask him whether the means or organisation exist for keeping this and similar shocking cases under review, so that intercession can be made if a suitable opportunity permits?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

I gladly give the noble Lord the assurance which he seeks. We shall be willing to do anything in our power, always provided that we are satisfied that any endeavour we make on these lines is not likely to do more harm than good.