§ Sir K. WOODasked the Home Secretary the number and particulars of the persons and the conferences of the trade unions, respectively, in respect of which he has granted visas for the nationals of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics to enter this country since June last?
§ Mr. SHORTSince 1st June, 1929, visas have been authorised to enable the following citizens of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics to proceed to the United Kingdom in order to attend the conferences mentioned:
Timothes Osipoff and Gregori Slutzky: To attend the Annual Conference of the United Mineworkers of Scotland.
David Finkelstein and Alexis Amosov: To attend the National Minority Movement Conference of Railwaymen.
M. Tsikhon and Zikhon: To attend the Annual Conference of the National Minority Movement.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Home Secretary whether permission has been given for the admission to this country of any Russian nationals, apart from members of the Soviet diplomatic staff in London or employés of Arcos; and, if so, how many persons have been permitted to enter and upon what conditions?
§ Mr. SHORTPresumably the following information is what the hon. Member desires. Since the resumption of diplomatic relations with the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, visas have been authorised to enable 39 Soviet citizens to proceed to the United Kingdom for purposes other than to join the Soviet diplomatic staff in London or the staff of Arcos, Limited. Of this number, eight were joining the staffs of Soviet organisations in the United Kingdom and 31 were coming for short periods in connection with Anglo-Soviet trade.