45. Mr. David Adamsasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement as to the present position of the absorption of Jewish refugees; whether as, with the exception of Australia, the Dominions have undertaken little, it is his intention again to make an appeal to them; and whether he is aware that the area suggested in British Guiana is totally unsuitable climatically for such immigration?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)It is not possible to give any accurate figures for the absorption of Jewish refugees in countries of refuge and settlement. In August last it was estimated by the High Commissioner of the League of Nations for Refugees that roughly 120,000 refugees from Germany of all categories had reached countries of permanent settlement. It may be assumed that several thousand more have done so in the last few months. As regards the second part of the question, the answer is in the negative, since the admission of refugees into any Dominion is a matter for the Dominion Government concerned, 1794 but recent statements by Dominion Ministers indicate that they are fully alive to the importance and urgency of the question. With regard to the third part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Central Bradford (Mr. Leach) on 28th November.
Mr. AdamsDoes the Prime Minister not think it desirable to approach the Dominions again in view of the fact that we have already done so?
§ The Prime MinisterI think the fact that we have already done so makes it unnecessary to do so again.
§ Sir Arthur SalterWill the Prime Minister consider the possibility of making a practical reality of the offer of British Guiana by appointing a suitable person to make a definite and detailed scheme for refugee emigrants into that Colony, including financial provision?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Member knows that an offer has been made that someone on behalf of the refugees should go to British Guiana to see whether the country is suitable. That, surely, will be the first thing to do, and then migration of refugees might come afterwards.
§ Sir A. SalterIf I send the Prime Minister certain considerations showing how greatly the chances would be facilitated if someone appointed by the British Government were really made responsible for drawing out a definite scheme, will he consider the matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI should be much obliged to the hon. Member if he would send me the scheme he has in mind.
Viscountess AstorHas anyone asked whether Russia would help with this question of refugees? Is it true that no offer has come from them to help in any way?
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonIs the Prime Minister aware that the organisations dealing with refugees in Great Britain are very anxious that His Majesty's Government should at an early date make a declaration of policy, as their work is being greatly hampered by the absence of such a statement?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not know what the hon. Member means. A full statement has been made.
§ 47. Mr. Lathanasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the creation of a new Department forrefugees, combining the duties now imposed on the Foreign Office, the Home Office and the Ministry of Labour in this connection?
§ The Prime MinisterI see no need for the creation of the new Department suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. LathanDoes not the Prime Minister realise the magnitude of the problems which confront us in regard to refugees, and does he not also realise that, despite the utmost efforts of the particular Departments concerned, there is inevitable waste and overlapping, and that from the point of view of efficiency and economy it would be desirable to have co-ordination?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, I do not think so.
§ Mr. BuchananIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Department which is tackling this problem was not created for the purpose, and that the present staff is completely overworked? Will he not, therefore, consider some method to eliminate the waste of time which is now taking place?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not clear as to that, but I will make inquiries.
§ Major-General Sir Alfred KnoxWill the Prime Minister consider the possibility of setting aside some part of England as a national home for the English?