HC Deb 14 July 1920 vol 131 c2382
54. Colonel BURDON

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a letter, written by the Reverend F. North, which appeared in the Press, referring to the condition of the British refugees recently repatriated from Russia under the auspices of the Foreign Office; whether steps have been taken to find permanent subsistence and employment for them; whether the Mitcham guardians have consented to allow the Holborn Institute to be kept open for the refugees and, if so, whether the inmates have been informed of this; and what is being done in the case of the British-born widows of Russians and their children who were given facilities to return to England, but who have not been promised any relief after the closing of the Holborn Institute?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to the first and third parts of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the United Russian Societies' Association has kindly taken charge of these refugees, and has received a grant for this purpose from the National Relief Fund, and I understand that the British-born widows referred to in the last part of the question are treated in exactly the same manner as the other refugees.

Colonel BURDON

Am I to understand that the British Government is taking care of these unfortunate people whom they have brought from Russia?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think that the Government has formally undertaken that responsibility, but the answer shows what is being done.

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