§ 48. Mrs. Ayrton Gouldasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will now make a statement regarding the repatriation of Austrian and German refugees.
§ 50. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will now arrange the date when a full scheme permitting Austrian refugees now living in this country, who wish to return for the purpose of the reconstruction and development of Austria, will be given permission and facilities to do so, in view of the fact that self-government has now been restored.
§ Mr. J. HyndI am now in a position to announce that applications can he entertained from Austrian and German refugees in the United Kingdom who wish to return to Austria and to the British zone of Germany to assist in the reconstruction of their countries. Application forms can be obtained by writing to the 1044 Control Office for Germany and Austria, Norfolk House, St. James's Square, London, S.W.Z. Conditions in Germany and Austria are such that, coupled with the difficult transport situation, only a limited number of refugees can go back at the moment; and in dealing with applications, priority will be given to those who can contribute most usefully to their country's reconstructions. Those who return will normally be expected to take their dependants with them. It is hoped to extend the scheme to refugees living outside the United Kingdom as and when conditions improve. The method of application will then be stated in local announcements.