Mr. MALONEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the reasons for refusing a passport to Mr. W. McLaine, secretary of the British section, Workers' International Famine Relief Committee, to attend a conference in Berlin in connection with Russian famine fund work; and whether he is aware that the absence of the British delegate will result in loss of contracts for machinery, etc., in Great Britain?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have been asked to reply to this question, as it was on advice tendered by me that a passport was refused in this case. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to-day to a question by the hon. Member for the Newton Division of Lancashire (Mr. R. Young). Mr. McLaine has made representations to me to the effect of the last paragraph of the question; but I am not aware that any such contracts depend on the attendance of Mr. McLaine, and no other, at Berlin.
§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Home Secretary whether W. McLaine made application for a passport to enable him to attend the International Famine Relief Conference in Berlin; whether he was refused the granting of a passport; and, 1474W if so, what were the grounds for his decision?
§ Mr. SHORTTAll the circumstances were carefully considered, and the grant of a passport was refused in the public interest.