§ 55. Sir T. Mooreasked the Prime Minister what is the policy of the Government towards the return, either voluntarily or compulsorily, of foreign nationals from Britain to their own countries.
§ The Prime MinisterIt is the policy of His Majesty's Government to create conditions in Europe which will enable and encourage foreigners who are here on a temporary basis to return to their own countries. Many thousands have already gone under arrangements made by the various Allied Governments, but in the present state of international transport there is no prospect of the possibility of a mass emigration from the United Kingdom at an early date.
§ Sir T. MooreIn view of the urgent need for the best constructive brains in rebuilding these devastated areas and in view of the admitted shortage of food, clothing, petrol and practically everything else in this country would not His Majesty's Government be a little more pressing in regard to this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI am sure the hon. and gallant Member will realise that the pressure on transport and everything else on the Continent is very heavy indeed. We have to be just and fair in these matters.
§ Mr. Sydney SilvermanWould my right hon. Friend assure the House that in no circumstances will any refugee from political oppression abroad be compelled to return to the scene of that oppression?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that is quite clear from my answer.