HC Deb 28 April 1938 vol 335 cc311-2
37. Mr. R. Gibson

(for Mr. Parker) asked the Home Secretary the total number of German and Austrian subjects, respectively, now resident in this country; how many have come in during the present year and each of the last three years; and how many of the total from each country, respectively, are refugees?

Sir S. Hoare

As the answer contains a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Sir William Davison

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable evidence that a number of these girls who are employed here are making inquiries as to photographs of various parts of the country, and that some of them admit that they have had instructions to do so?

Sir S. Hoare

If my hon. Friend will send me any particulars of that kind I will look into them.

Following is the answer:

(1) Germans and Austrians registered in the United Kingdom.

As stated in the replies given on 21st and 28th March to questions put by the hon. Members for Chatham (Captain Plugge) and Finchley (Mr. Crowder), the number of Germans registered with the Police is approximately 20,000, of whom about 11,000 are women, and the corresponding number of Austrians is 14,000, of whom about 11,500 are women.

(2) Germans and Austrians who have entered the United Kingdom.

(As the figures comprise for the most part business and pleasure visitors, who stay in the country only a short time, departure figures are included.)

— 1935. 1936. 1937. 1938(to31.3.38)
Germans
1. Arrived 59,026 74,870 80,236 15,895
2. Embarked 57,150 71,734 78,255 13,750
Austrians.
1. Arrived 9,706 13,391 18,722 3,849
2. Embarked 8,315 10,040 13,600 2,432

(3)German and Austrian refugees.

The published statistics as to passenger traffic do not distinguish persons who may fall to be regarded as refugees, and it is often very difficult to determine whether or not a person is a refugee, but the number of Germans now in this country who have received permission to prolong their stay for periods of varying duration and whose circumstances seem to indicate that they may have left Germany on political, racial or religious grounds is approximately 6,000. It is not possible to give any precise particulars at present with regard to Austrians.