§ 59. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in which police station Colonel Tasoev of the Soviet Army was confined when in London; what were the circumstances of his detention; the reasons of his interrogation; who conducted it; and whether he will make a full statement explaining the occurrence.
§ 63. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department where Colonel Tasoev stayed while he was in this country.
§ Mr. EdeThe circumstances in which Colonel Tasoev came to this country were explained by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on Wednesday of last week. Pending clarification of Colonel Tasoev's position formal leave to land was withheld and as an alien who had not been given leave to land he was liable to be detained under the provisions of the Aliens Order. He was temporarily accommodated in a flat, but he left this flat and got himself into difficulties owing to his lack of acquaintance with this country. For instance, he was ejected from a bus by a firm-minded conductor as a passenger unable to pay his fare. He was then lodged temporarily in Hammersmith Police 71W Station—a modern station with quite suitable accommodation. He was not subjected to any interrogation, and I am satisfied that he was well treated and that due consideration was shown to him. As my right hon. Friend explained, when Colonel Tasoev changed his mind and expressed a desire to return to the Soviet authorities, effect was given to his request.