asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government is in possession of information to the effect that Mrs. Marguerite Harrison was arrested by the Soviet authorities as an American spy and obtained her release by consenting to act as a Soviet spy and, further, to the effect that in her capacity of Soviet informer she was responsible for the false imprisonment of Mrs. Stan Harding, a British journalist; and whether His Majesty's Government has taken any steps to secure redress from the United States Government for the misdeeds of its agent?

Reports of the nature indicated have reached His Majesty's Government, but sufficient evidence has not been forthcoming to prove how far they are accurate.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this lady is nearly exhausted, physically, mentally, and financially, in pressing this claim on the British Government; and will he receive a deputation consisting of representatives of the Institute of Journalists, the National Union of Journalists, the National Council of Women of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Society of Women Journalists?

The hon. Member knows that I and the Government are entirely in sympathy with this lady, and if he will see me privately I will see whether that can be done.

asked the Prime Minister the terms on which His Majesty's Government is prepared to recognise the Soviet Government of Russia?

The main conditions are the recognition of debts, restitution of property or effective compensation and cessation from political propaganda.

Has any answer whatever been received from Russia since these conditions were laid down at the Hague Conference?

I must have notice of that question. I do not recall any.

Is it the settled policy of His Majesty's Government not to meddle in the internal affairs of any country?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many and which European countries have advanced loans to Austria during the past 12 months, and in what amounts, respectively; and hew many and which countries, if any, are to be associated with the British Government in the proposed forthcoming loan?

I understand that the following sums have been placed at the disposal of Austria by the Governments shown below, in addition to the amount of £2,250,000 advanced by His Majesty's Government:

Will these advances be in proportion to the population of each country, or on what basis will they be arranged?

A Bill will be introduced this Session dealing with the whole matter, and I shall be able to make a statement on that occasion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman express these sums in terms of sterling?

My hon. Friend is quite capable of doing that for himself.

Is it not a fact that hon. Members cannot put them into terms of sterling because they do not know the dates for the rates of exchange?

What is the security for these loans?

I must ask for notice of that question.