HC Deb 08 August 1940 vol 364 cc399-400
38. Mr. Ammon

asked the Minister of Health whether arrangements for succour and housing of British refugees from the Channel Islands can be provided, at least equal to that of foreign refugees?

Mr. M. MacDonald

Yes, Sir, and in addition special arrangements have been made to billet unaccompanied school parties from the Channel Islands under the Government evacuation scheme.

Mr. Ammon

How does my right hon. Friend account for the large numbers of the refugees, who are our own nationals, being placed under conditions which lack decency and privacy?

Mr. MacDonald

If the hon. Member has cases in which he feels that the principle of the proper treatment of these people is being contravened, I will look into them, but my information is that in general the position is satisfactory and very much appreciated by the Channel Islanders.

Mr. Mander

In view of conditions in the refugee camps, will not the right hon. Gentleman's answer be poor consolation to the Channel Islanders?