"Security Advice About Visits to Communist Countries" (Leaflet)

Oral Answers to Questions — Board of Trade – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 26 March 1969.

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Photo of Mr Joel Barnett Mr Joel Barnett , Heywood and Royton 12:00, 26 March 1969

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many businessmen have now obtained copies of the leaflet issued by his Department entitled, Security Advice About Visits to Communist Countries.

Photo of Mr Edmund Dell Mr Edmund Dell , Birkenhead

I have nothing to add to the answer to my hon. Friend's Question on 20th March.—[Vol. 780, c. 147.]

Photo of Mr Joel Barnett Mr Joel Barnett , Heywood and Royton

asked the President of the Board of Trade on how many cases he based the leaflet, Security Advice About Visits to Communist Countries.

Photo of Mr Edmund Dell Mr Edmund Dell , Birkenhead

I understand the leaflet is based on a considerable number of cases spread over a period of years.

Photo of Mr Joel Barnett Mr Joel Barnett , Heywood and Royton

Has not there been over-dramatisation of the danger of real spying by businessmen? Is not the only effective way to export to these countries by personal visits, and is not the leaflet more likely to act as a deterrent than as an incentive? Will my hon. Friend therefore consider withdrawing it?

Photo of Mr Edmund Dell Mr Edmund Dell , Birkenhead

I do not think that there has been over-dramatisation. It is sensible to advise people who visit Eastern Europe of the hazards that are involved, and this is exactly what the leaflet does. If my hon. Friend were to study it, he would no doubt form a better impression of it.

Photo of Mr Patrick Jenkin Mr Patrick Jenkin , Wanstead and Woodford

Is not the most important thing to warn businessmen that if they find they have been compromised or approached in any way they should at once report the matter to the security authorities in this country? Will the Minister consider amending the leaflet by adding that advice to it?

Photo of Mr Edmund Dell Mr Edmund Dell , Birkenhead

I should have thought that the leaflet gave precisely that advice, that if a person finds himself compromised he should get in touch with the authorities.

Photo of Mr Emrys Hughes Mr Emrys Hughes , South Ayrshire

Did not this country send an alleged businessman to Russia, and was there not a great deal of indignation by hon. Members when he was arrested, although he subsequently wrote a book in which he admitted that he was a spy?

Photo of Mr Edmund Dell Mr Edmund Dell , Birkenhead

My hon. Friend is asking me something which is not within the responsibility of the Board of Trade.

Photo of Mr John Peyton Mr John Peyton , Yeovil

Is the Minister aware that if all the advice offered by Her Majesty's Government were as expert, as well-founded and as reasonable as this, they should be congratulated? It is a great exception!

Photo of Mr Edmund Dell Mr Edmund Dell , Birkenhead

But all the advice offered by Her Majesty's Government is expert and is appreciated.

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Easington

May I ask my hon. Friend what happens to businessmen who come to this country?

Photo of Mr Edmund Dell Mr Edmund Dell , Birkenhead

My right hon. Friend is extending the Question far too wide.