§ 41. Lieutenant Herbert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many German political refugees from the Nazi régime now in this country have expressed their wish to return to Germany; whether any permits have been granted to enable them to do so; and, if not, whether he will consider facilitating the return of such people at an early date.
§ Mr. BevinApplications have been made to several Departments of His Majesty's Government, and I fear I cannot give the exact figure, but I doubt if it would exceed a thousand. Permission to return to Germany has hitherto been withheld, largely because of the extreme shortage of transport, food and shelter in that country. But the matter is under active consideration, and I hope that refugees may be able, before long, to begin to return on a small scale.
§ Mr. Vernon BartlettWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the very urgent need in Germany for officials of the people, who would take responsibility, and who really are anti-Nazi?
§ Mr. BevinI have got that in mind. On the other hand, I must ask the hon. Member to appreciate the tremendous difficulties of the Control Commission, owing to lack of transport and shelter.