HC Deb 23 June 1947 vol 439 cc7-8W
60. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British Protestant ministers of religion are officiating in Spain; how many have been allowed to enter and reside in Spain during the past two years and how many have left; what complaints respecting the restriction of their religious activities have been received; and what restrictions are imposed on the sending of religious, ethical and cultural publications from this country to Spain.

Mr. Mayhew

His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Madrid reports that he knows of 19 British Protestant ministers of religion officiating in Spain. All except six of this number departed in 1940 and returned in 1946. None have left Spain during the past two years. Although no recent complaints have been received respecting the restriction of the religious activities of Protestant Ministers, their work is frequently hindered by local animosity. Two bomb outrages committed against the chapel and house of the British Protestant Minister at Infesta have been the subject of official protests to the Spanish Government. Moreover the Protestant congregations in Spain are subject to many disabilities. They may not hold religious ceremonies outside their own place of worship or open Protestant schools. In reply to the last part of the Question, all publications entering Spain are subject to censorship.

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