asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has been successful in securing an explanation from the Russian Government in the case of Mr. Joseph Martin, now blind as the result of his imprisonment; and, if such explanation has not been secured, will he lay before the House copies of the correspondence between the British Government and the Russian Government so that Members may be informed as to the particulars of the case?

The only explanation offered by the Soviet Government was that Mr. Martin was arrested as a suspicious foreigner at a time when intervention in the internal affairs of the Soviet Republic was still being carried on by a number of States. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by laying papers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he proposes to take any steps to protect Hull and other fishermen carrying on their lawful trade in the White Sea from acts of piracy?

A fishery protection vessel is now patrolling off the Murmansk Coast, and it is hoped to make arrangements by which the patrol will be continued throughout the fishing season.