HC Deb 20 May 1946 vol 423 cc22-3
49. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he is aware that 500 families in all parts of Ireland have offered to receive 500 abandoned German children; and if arrangements will be made through the Allied Control Commission to enable the children to be transferred from Germany to Ireland.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)

Yes, Sir, this matter is under consideration in consultation with the Control authorities in Germany and with the U.K. departments concerned.

Sir P. Hannon

As this is a great act of charity on the part of the Irish people, will the hon. Gentleman do everything he possibly can to assist the transfer of these children?

Mr. Hynd

We appreciate this is a great gesture of charity but one of the unfortunate things is that there are a large number of these gestures of charity and there are practical considerations that have to be weighed. This particular case is being very carefully and "sympathetically considered.

Sir P. Hannon

Is not this the only case in which a generous offer of this kind has been made?

Mr. Hynd

No, Sir. We have had at least four applications of a similar kind from Ireland alone.

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