§ 30. Mr. Martinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many European refugees are now interned on the island of Mauritius; of what nationalities are they; how many are known to be sympathetic to the Allied cause; and how many have professional or technical qualifications of recognised standing.
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansThere are some 1,400 Jewish refugees in Mauritius. They include Austrians, Czechs, Poles, Danzigers and Germans. I have no reason to believe that they are other than sympathetic to the Allied cause. I have no data on the last part of the Question.
§ Mr. MartinIs the hon. Gentleman aware that some of these people have excellent technical qualifications and that the Allied cause should make some use of them, instead of keeping them in internment, doing nothing year after year?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansA certain number have already been released and are in the service of the Allies.
Mr. AstorAre these refugees doing nothing, or are they engaged in some useful occupation to help the Allied cause?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansI have said that a certain number have already joined the Allied Forces.
§ Mr. SilvermanIs it not the case that those who have not been released, those who are still in camp—which is the greater number—are compelled by the Government to spend days in idleness when they are capable of doing useful work and are anxious to do it?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansI should want notice of that question.
§ Mr. McGovernAre these Jewish refugees being imprisoned at the same time as they are asked to do something useful for the Allied cause?