§ 22. Captain Peter Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the cost hitherto of maintaining the Abyssinian refugees and deserting soldiers in Kenya; how long this outlay is going to continue; and whether the Government can make any statement as to what they propose to do with these natives whom the colony does not want?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe total amount spent for the maintenance in Kenya of the Eritrean deserters and the Abyssinian refugees, up to the end of 1937, was approximately £50,000. The estimated expenditure for the current year is £62,500. It is not possible to forecast how long this expenditure is likely to continue, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the question of the disposal of these unfortunate people is receiving active consideration.
Miss RathboneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some of the British Colonies—I am not sure whether it is the case in Kenya—extreme pressure is already being put upon these unfortunate refugees to return; does he not realise that to send them back to the care of the Italians would be the last betrayal of the unfortunate Abyssinians; and will he give us an assurance that that will not be done?
§ Mr. MacDonaldI am not aware that pressure is being put on refugees in any British Colonies and I can certainly assure the House that none of these people will be sent back to Abyssinia against their own will.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that assurance, may I ask him to make inquiries about the question of pressure, because there have been statements from reliable sources that it is being applied?
§ Mr. MacDonaldI will make inquiries but I have already made inquiries into the matter and I am assured that the opposite is the case.
§ Mr. ManderCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there will be any question of the return of these natives, under the Anglo-Italian agreement when it comes into operation?