HC Deb 05 June 1946 vol 423 cc1990-1
38. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, what special facilities are to be granted for re-settling a substantial number of Poles, who do not wish to return to Poland, in various parts of the Empire, such as East Africa.

Mr. George Hall

The possibilities of absorbing members of the Polish Armed Forces and their dependants in the Colonial Empire are being carefully examined. It is, however, already apparent that the settlement of a substantial number of Poles in East Africa is not practicable.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether we are to take from his reply that he has summoned a meeting of the representatives of the Colonies with a view to seeing how far they can help in settling the vast number of displaced persons?

Mr. Hall

No, Sir, I have not summoned representatives from the Colonies, but I have been in touch with the Governors of all the Colonies on this matter.

Major Guy Lloyd

Can the Minister say how long it will be before the House can have a comprehensive report on the result of these discussions, which have been going on for a very long time?

Mr. Hall

That is mainly a matter for the Foreign Office and not for me.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Are the camps which were established in East Africa for Polish refugees during the war still in existence, and, if not, what has happened to them?

Mr. Hall

They are still there, and there are some thousands of Polish refugees in them.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Would the Minister consider summoning a Colonial Conference on lines similar to the Dominions Conference?

Mr. Hall

I have already promised my hon. Friend that I am considering it, and I am giving it active consideration.

Mr. Gallacher

You had better send the Poles home.