§ 36. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the large numbers of homeless children and orphans in Poland, and the desire on the part of many citizens of Great Britain to offer them temporary hospitality; if he has any estimate of the numbers of such children; what action is being taken by the United Nations to care for them; and what facilities are available for their passage to this country.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Bevin)I have no information of the number of homeless children and orphans in Poland, nor have 2003 I at the moment the means of obtaining it. The problem of Poland is one for U.N.R.R.A., to which His Majesty's Government contributes, and the Polish Provisional Government.
§ Mr. StewartIn view of the great numbers of these wretched children, can the Minister indicate whether the British representatives on U.N.R.R.A. are taking appropriate measures?
§ Mr. BevinU.N.R.R.A. is endeavouring to do its job, but I would remind the hon. Gentleman that the position of distressed children and grown-ups in Europe is one of the greatest tragedies of the ages.
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayCould the Minister say, irrespective of political considerations, whether he is satisfied that U.N.R.R.A. or any other body is dealing at all adequately with this problem of children in Europe, especially in Poland and East of Berlin?
§ Mr. BevinWith the political situation in Europe as it is I do not think it is possible to devise any organisation which is capable of grappling with it.
§ Mr. Peter FreemanCould the Minister say whether he will provide facilities for individual children to be brought over to this country?
§ Mr. BevinThat is tremendously difficult. If you start opening the door to one particular individual, there are so many millions in the same position that I think it would be a formidable task to grapple with it by that means.