HC Deb 14 June 1937 vol 325 cc33-4
63. Mr. Mitchell

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make any statement in regard to the future of the Spanish refugee children in Great Britain in the event of it being impossible to repatriate them in the near future?

Mr. Lloyd

The committee responsible for the care and maintenance of these children has given an undertaking to the Government that they will be repatriated by the committee as soon as circumstances permit. It is clearly impossible to foretell when circumstances will permit of repatriation. As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health stated on 10th June, the responsibility for any arrangements for moving them from the camp at North Stoneham rests with the voluntary committee which is, I understand, making arrangements for their accommodation in groups in private institutions and similar places.

Mr. Mathers

How does the hon. Gentleman interpret this question? Does he look upon it as an attack upon his humanitarian action in allowing these children to come here at all?

Mr. Lloyd

No, Sir, I think that it was a genuine inquiry for information.