HC Deb 03 April 1939 vol 345 cc2454-5
73. Sir N. Stewart Sandeman

asked the Home Secretary what steps he is now taking to accelerate the repatriation of the Basque children?

Sir S. Hoare

I have been in consultation with the National Joint Committee and am informed that active steps are being taken by the committee to repatriate all the Basque children in their care except those for whom return to Spain might under present conditions involve permanent separation from their parents.

Sir N. Stewart Sandeman

In how many cases is it expected that that will be done?

Sir S. Hoare

I could not say.

Mr. Watkins

May I ask whether the conduct of these children while they have been here has not been exemplary, and that their tragic circumstances entitled them to the utmost consideration at the hands of the Government?

Sir S. Hoare

I cannot answer that question. I have no reason to suppose that the contrary is true, but I am not responsible for the conduct of the children.

Miss Rathbone

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the great difficulties of the committee responsible for the Basque children in endeavouring to arrange their return to their parents is that they have so endeared themselves—[Interruption]—to their temporary guardians that it is like tearing a mother from her young to separate them, but that in spite of this the committee is repatriating them whenever their parents are there to receive them?

Mr. Poole

Does not the conduct of hon. Members opposite reveal their appalling ignorance and callousness in their consideration of these children?