§ 60. Mr. ROYCEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of Russian refugees in camps in the island of Cyprus; whether these refugees are mostly composed of the remnants of Denikin's and Wrangel's armies; what is the cost to the British Government for the maintenance of these camps; whether the refugees make any contribution towards their support; and how much longer will these camps be maintained?
§ Mr. C. HARMSWORTHRussian refugees in camps in Cyprus number 590, and they are composed entirely of refugees who left South Russia after General Denikin's defeat. The cost of maintaining these camps is £2,800 per month. There are an additional 72 refugees now maintaining themselves outside the camps. I regret that it is impossible to give any definite date by which the camps will be closed, but I can assure the hon. Member that every effort is being made to bring the obligations of His Majesty's Government to an end.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWould not the camps close automatically if you ceased to give them this relief?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHThat would be a very harsh method.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWould they not then find some work to do?