HC Deb 02 April 1936 vol 310 cc2108-9
24. Mr. C. S. TAYLOR

asked the Home Secretary how many alien refugees in this country are unemployed and what are their means of subsistence?

Mr. LLOYD

No figures are available to enable an answer to be given to the first part of the question. As regards the second part, some refugees have established themselves here in independent industrial, commercial or professional pursuits, or have become associated as directors or partners in new or already existing enterprises in this country; some are living on their own resources; and others are supported by relations or friends, or by the various organisations which have been set up for their relief.

25. Mr. TAYLOR

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain alien refugees who were permitted to reside in this country for the purpose of obtaining British medical qualifications are taking up appointments in this country; and what steps he proposes to take to stop this practice, in view of the undertakings given by the Home Office?

Mr. LLOYD

Since March of last year refugees who have applied for permission to reside in this country for the purpose of medical study have been informed that permission can only be granted on the clear understanding that after qualifying they will not be allowed to establish themselves in medical practice in the United Kingdom but will be expected to leave the country; but amongst the refugee doctors who came here before that date there is a limited number to whom it has been thought right on various special grounds to grant permission to practice in this country after they have obtained a British medical qualification and been admitted to the British Medical Register. The number of cases in which such permission has been granted is 148.

Mr. TAYLOR

Could the hon. Gentleman say what are these special cases?

Mr. LLOYD

In some cases of eminent medical men having special attainments, their colleagues in this country have asked for them to be allowed to practise here.

Mr. WATKINS

Does that reply mean that those who are not regarded as special cases are, by the action of His Majesty's Government, forced to go back to Germany and suffer the persecution that is involved?

Mr. LLOYD

No, Sir, not necessarily, but the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that His Majesty's Government have to consider first of all the interests of British subjects.

Mr. DALTON

Would it not be possible to send some of these people to Palestine, where their services are badly needed?

Mr. LLOYD

My information is that there is already an overplus of doctors in Palestine.