HC Deb 15 February 1940 vol 357 cc925-6
22. Mr. Vernon Bartlett

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Czech refugees have received the £200 emigration grant since the Czech trustees were appointed; and how many have been found work in Great Britain with their help?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir John Anderson)

I am informed by the Trustees that, from the time of creation of the Czech Refugee Trust on the 21st July last until the 7th February, the number of refugee families for whom settlement grants have been paid by the Trust in respect of settlement outside the United Kingdom is 311 representing about 570 persons, and that the total of the settlement grants so allotted was £54,080. I regret that up-to-date figures of Czech refugees registered with the Trust who have found employment are not at present available.

Mr. Bartlett

While thanking the Minister for his answer, may I ask him to bear in mind the fact that there are a great number of Czechs who are very worried because this Committee does not seem to be working quite as actively as it should, and can he give it a gentle push on from time to time?

Sir J. Anderson

I have every reason to think that the Committee has been very actively engaged.

Mr. Hannah

Is anything being done about British Guiana in that connection?

Sir J. Anderson

That is another question.