HC Deb 18 November 1918 vol 110 c3176
16. Mr. DENMAN

asked the Foreign Secretary if he could make any statement as to the repatriation of Belgians from this country

Mr. J. W. PRATT (Lord Of the Treasury)

I have been asked to reply to this question. His Majesty's Government will undertake the repatriation of the Belgian refugees. My right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board has appointed a Commissioner for Repatriation, and he is in communication with the Belgian Legation and with the War Office, the Ministry of Shipping, and other Government Departments, with a view to taking the necessary steps as early as practicable. Those steps must, of course, be taken in concert with the Belgian Government.

Mr. DENMAN

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me whether Belgians will be allowed permanently to reside in this country?

Mr. PRATT

My hon. Friend had better put that question down.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Will the repatriation be conducted at the expense of His Majesty's Government?