§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the arrival in this country on 5th December last of four Russian trades unionists, who had been delegated by the bodies to which they belong to proceed to Western Europe in order to spread information regarding Bolshevik industrial administration and the effect of Soviet Rule on Russian trades unionism; whether he is aware that on their arrival in this country the four Russians in question were conducted to the War Office and subsequently to the Home Office, in spite of the assurance given them by the British High Commissioner at Omsk that they would be received here by British Labour organisations; that the four men, without being given an opportunity of being received by any? Labour organisation, were handed over to the People's League; and whether, seeing that the position of the four delegates has been seriously prejudiced by their public association with that body, to the extent that they are now penniless, they will in some way be compensated for the unnecessary trouble they have endured, and be protected so far as their future movements are concerned?
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§ Mr. SHORTTThis matter has been brought to my notice. The men in question were admitted to this country on the recommendation of the British Authorities in Siberia, but I know nothing of the assurance said to have been given them. On their arrival here temporary accommodation was found for them by the War Office, and they were afterwards assisted by the People's League and attended meetings under their auspices. The Foreign Office are providing for their maintenance for the present, and they will be assisted to find suitable work, if that b possible, or, if they so desire, to leave the country.