38. Sir J. D. REESasked the Prime Minister whether the Government is paying for the maintenance of refugees from Allied and enemy countries in Vienna, Constantinople, Bakonba, and elsewhere; if so, whether it is proposed to continue to make any grants on this account and for what period?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWA sum of £50,000 has been made over from the final contribution to General Denikin to the British Committee of the Russian Red Cross for the relief of refugees at Constantinople, Lemnos, and elsewhere. His Majesty's High Commissioner at Constantinople has been authorised to expend £10,000 to cover special cases arising out of the large exodus of refugees from South Russia. So far as I am aware there are no refugees in Vienna at the present time. With regard to the second part of the question, I am unable to make any definite statement at the present time, but I hope His Majesty's Government will not be required to grant further funds for the relief of refugees.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs there any restriction on the use of these funds and against paying the salaries of Denikin's ex-officers?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot say that offhand. But I am sure the money is being used for the purposes of that relief for which it was allocated.
§ Lieut. -Commander KENWORTHYWhen this £50,000 is exhausted will these wretched people be left to starve? Will not the fact that they have been misled by our deliberate policy be taken into 556 account? What about the unfortunate women and children?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI said that I hoped the British Government would not be called upon to pay more. We have done a good deal in providing the ships.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThere is a large number of questions on the Paper, and hon. Members have been exercising very freely their right to put supplementary questions.