50. Mr. Manningasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is in a position to make a statement about 1108 the return to Germany, and the procedure to be adopted, of anti-Fascist refugees now in the United Kingdom.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on Monday to my hon. Friend the Member for Newport (Mr. P. Freeman).
Mr. De la BèreIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there have been so many references back today that we do not know what it is all about, and can we have some enlightenment?
§ Mr. HyndThe terms of the answer referred to were:
I have made arrangements for a certain number of refugees who are asked for by name by the Control Commission in Germany and Austria to go back to their countries. I hope that it will be possible in the near future for larger numbers, particularly those who would assist in the reconstruction of their countries on democratic lines, to be repatriated, but the difficulties of accommodation, particularly in the British Zone of Germany, are very great and the trans port facilities are limited. Applications to return will have to be sifted in accordance with an order of priority and as soon as arrangements can be made to handle applications an announcement will be made. Meanwhile, no good purpose would be served by sending in applications to the Control Office for Germany and Austria or any other Government Department.
§ Miss RathboneIs my hon. Friend aware that when these men go back to Germany and leave wives and children behind there is no way in which they can send money back to support their families, and will he go into the question of how to meet that difficulty?